risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms of risky

• dangerous
• hazardous
• perilous
• serious

Choose the Right Synonym for risky

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury.

dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

In turn, payment delinquency rates are climbing, and credit card interest rates — while lower than their recent peak — are still high enough to make carrying a balance a risky proposition for borrowers. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

Solo female travel is no longer framed as sad or risky. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026

Making that declaration is risky, given the history of collapses by professional teams in this city. —Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026

The narrative around solo female travel has shifted significantly — it’s no longer seen as sad or risky. —Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Rhymes for risky

• frisky
• whiskey
• whisky

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous