hazardous

adjective

haz·​ard·​ous ˈha-zər-dəs 

1

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

a hazardous occupation

disposing of hazardous waste

2

: depending on the effect of unpredictable and unanalyzable forces in determining events : depending on hazard (see hazard entry 1 sense 2a) or chance

hazardous outcomes

hazardously adverb

hazardousness noun

Synonyms

• dangerous
• grave
• grievous
• jeopardizing
• menacing
• parlous
• perilous
• risky
• serious
• threatening
• unhealthy
• unsafe
• venturesome

Choose the Right Synonym for 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.

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 hazardous in a Sentence

It was a hazardous voyage.

These are hazardous chemicals that can cause death if inhaled.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interstate 35 Current Incidents: Heavy rain prompts traffic advisory on eastbound I-35 in Olathe A traffic advisory has been issued for hazardous driving conditions attributed to heavy rain on I-35 between 119th Street/Exit 220 and I-435/Exit 222. —Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2024

As difficult recovery and cleanup efforts are underway in southeast Texas, including the Houston area, extreme heat will bear down on the region Tuesday and Wednesday, creating hazardous conditions for those working outdoors or without adequate cooling. —Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN, 9 July 2024

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the cobalt mining industry has drawn significant attention due to its hazardous working conditions and environmental degradation. —Essence, 9 July 2024

Crews were immediately responsive to the scene and determined that the liquid was not hazardous. —Doha Madani, NBC News, 4 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

see hazard entry 1

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hazardous

adjective

haz·​ard·​ous ˈhaz-ərd-əs 

: dangerous sense 1, risky

hazardously adverb

hazardousness noun

Legal Definition

hazardous

adjective

haz·​ard·​ous

: creating a hazard : involving or exposing one to risk (as of loss or harm)

a hazardous occupation

a hazardous substance

hazardously adverb