at risk

phrase

: in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility

patients at risk of infection

—usually hyphenated when used before a noun

programs to support at-risk youth

Examples of at risk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vulnerable communities are at risk Vulnerable communities, including those with health conditions and people who are unhoused or work outdoors, have endured disproportionate effects from the unsafe air quality. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

At a meeting earlier this month, the RMG Sustainability Council warned that structural weaknesses could put lives and property at risk if the building remained open. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 July 2026

Droughts and heat waves have become more common and more severe, leading to a greater amount of dry vegetation at risk of burning. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 17 July 2026

Researchers think the species could be at risk due to its limited range, hunting pressure, habitat loss and small population size. — Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for at risk

• basilisk
• obelisk
• bisque
• brisk
• disc
• disk
• fisc
• fisk
• frisk
• whisk
• videodisc