at the risk of

phrase

: despite the possibility of
At the risk of sounding rude, can I ask your age?

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at the risk of was in 1728

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At the risk of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20risk%20of. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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