hazardous

adjective haz·ard·ous \ ˈha-zər-dəs \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Definition of hazardous

1 : depending on the effect of unpredictable and unanalyzable forces in determining events : depending on hazard (see ¹hazard 3a) or chance

hazardous outcomes

2 : involving or exposing one to risk (as of loss or harm)

a hazardous occupation

disposing of hazardous waste

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hazardously

adverb

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hazardousness

noun

See hazardous defined for English-language learners

See hazardous defined for kids

Examples of hazardous in a Sentence

It was a hazardous voyage.
These are hazardous chemicals that can cause death if inhaled.

Recent Examples of hazardous from the Web

The swell also will generate strong rip and side currents, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers and surfers.

— gary robbins, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Big surf through Tuesday, followed by monsoonal moisture, humidity," 11 June 2018
The train that derailed May 24 less than two miles from Aurora’s City Hall was not carrying oil, caused no spill of hazardous materials and did not lead to any injuries.

— sarah freishtat, Aurora Beacon-News, "More, longer trains pose concern for suburban leaders after Aurora derailment," 1 June 2018
Drivers should plan on hazardous driving conditions until 5 p.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service said.

— molly sullivan, sacbee, "Wild weather kicks off Memorial Day weekend – and more is on the way | The Sacramento Bee," 25 May 2018
Johnny Depp sued by security guards for unpaid wages, hazardous conditions.

— Fox News, "FOX NEWS FIRST: Mueller tells Trump's team that subpoena is possible; States sue to end DACA," 2 May 2018
Farther south, two journalists were killed Monday evening in North Carolina while covering hazardous weather on the fringes of Subtropical Storm Alberto (which has since been downgraded to a depression).

— aj willingham, CNN, "5 things for May 29: North Korea summit, extreme weather, Starbucks," 29 May 2018
Annoying, potentially hazardous splatter occurs when water droplets hits hot oil (oil and water don’t mix, kapeesh?).

— claire saffitz, Bon Appetit, "5 Things That Can Go Horribly Wrong When Frying (and How to Avoid Them)," 28 May 2018
Tropical-storm-force winds and hazardous storm surge are possible along portions of the central and eastern U.S. Gulf Coast beginning on Sunday, including areas well east of the center of #Alberto.

— ben estes, NOLA.com, "Tropical storm watch issued for New Orleans area," 25 May 2018
The company was accused of violating California health, safety and civil codes in its disposal of hazardous waste and customer records at its California facilities, including four warehouses and five retail stores in San Diego County.

— jennifer van grove, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Cox settles hazardous waste, privacy suit with California for $3.3M," 24 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hazardous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of hazardous

see ¹hazard

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1549

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

hazardous Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of hazardous

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.