risk

noun \ ˈrisk \

|Updated on: 19 Jun 2018

1 : possibility of loss or injury : peril

2 : someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard

3 a : the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract; also : the degree of probability of such loss

b : a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer

c : an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source

war risk

4 : the chance that an investment (such as a stock or commodity) will lose value

—

riskless

play \ˈrisk-ləs\ adjective

— at risk

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

patients at risk of infection

See risk defined for English-language learners

See risk defined for kids

Examples of risk in a Sentence

I prefer not to expose my money to too much risk.
The degree of risk is minimal.
All investments have an element of risk.
The trip didn't seem like much of a risk.
I'm aware of the risks associated with this treatment.
There is a risk of liver damage with this medication.
Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in a car accident.
We feel that this product presents a significant risk to public health.
To me, skydiving is not worth the risk.
Smoking is a risk to your lungs.

Recent Examples of risk from the Web

One approach is to look for genes that increase the risk of developing the disease.

— christian holscher, CNN, "New approach to Alzheimer's fight: Diabetes drugs," 15 June 2018
Sunlight is the easiest way for the body to absorb D, but of course too much UV light can increase the risk for skin cancer.

— NBC News, "Vitamin D may lower colon cancer risk, especially in women, study finds," 14 June 2018
Just as the beef industry helped reduce risk in its plants, the produce industry can and should do more to ensure the safety of its food, experts say.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Are foodborne illness outbreaks increasing or does it just seem that way?," 14 June 2018
But scientists are warning in a new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago that one-third of U.S. adults may be using prescription drugs that could increase the risk of depression or suicide.

— scott berson, miamiherald, "Millions take pills for common health problems. They may be causing depression, study says," 13 June 2018
Although p53 mutations greatly increase the risk of cancer, the findings are a reason to be cautious and not for full-blown alarm.

— Fox News, "Futuristic gene-editing technology may cause cancer," 13 June 2018
Lake County health officials are asking residents to take extra steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites because two horses have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis, increasing the risk of transmission to humans.

— naseem s. miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Lake County issues mosquito-borne disease advisory," 13 June 2018
Many communities are in cities with busy international airports, further increasing the risk of disease spread.

— lena h. sun, idahostatesman, "In 10 U.S. 'hotspots', kids are most likely to skip vaccines. 8 are in Idaho.," 13 June 2018
According to its website, participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88-percent among children aged 1-4.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The West Hartford Edition," 12 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of risk

French risque, from Italian risco

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1655

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

risk Synonyms

risk

verb

risked; risking; risks

transitive verb

1 : to expose to hazard or danger

risked her life

2 : to incur the risk or danger of

risked breaking his neck

—

risker

noun

See risk defined for English-language learners

Examples of risk in a Sentence

She risked her life to save her children.
He risked all his money on starting his own business.
He risked breaking his neck.
She's risking being considered too sentimental.
The country risked a war.
brave people who risked being killed to help others
I'm not willing to risk getting lost. I'm going to buy a map.
The company is risking the loss of millions of dollars.
It's not wise to risk traveling so soon after surgery.

Recent Examples of risk from the Web

Phoenix would risk trading its most valuable asset for a player who might not be around for more than one year.

— scott bordow, azcentral, "Suns will not trade No. 1 pick for Kawhi Leonard," 16 June 2018
But Ainge would be shaking up a foundation that already looks better than anyone in the East for the foreseeable future, so Boston would be risking significantly more than the Lakers, who won 35 games last year.

— andrew sharp, SI.com, "Kawhi Leonard Wants Out and the NBA Offseason Is Here," 15 June 2018
Apple at the time said helping the FBI would risk creating a tool that could compromise the security of all its customers.

— robert mcmillan, WSJ, "Meet Apple’s Security Headache: The GrayKey, a Startup’s iPhone-Hacking Box," 14 June 2018
The news has also made its way to Twitter: Officially done with kat von d and her brand 🤷🏻‍♀️ terribly sad, but can’t support someone who risks other kids lives for what?

— ruby buddemeyer, Marie Claire, "Why Everyone You Know Is Boycotting Kat Von D Beauty Products," 13 June 2018
Hush, now; anyone implying there is nothing new under the sun would risk being tarred and feathered at this particular venue.

— leah garchik, San Francisco Chronicle, "The winners and the sufferers, and the aftermath of election day," 10 June 2018
No scholar in his right mind would risk his reputation on the Dare Stone, which by now was academically radioactive.

— The Economist, "The tale of the “Lost Colony” is a chronicle of delusion," 7 June 2018
But celebrity addiction, crime, and sleaze can create controversy and risk public backlash.

— rob weinberg, Pomerado News, "Racism, vulgarity and bottom lines," 7 June 2018
Republicans, who risked being shut out in November, also believe Cox will give Republicans and conservative-leaning voters a reason to show up on Election Day, helping their chances of retaining control.

— angela hart, sacbee, "Four takeaways from the California governor's race," 6 June 2018

First Known Use of risk

1660

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

risk Synonyms

Synonyms

adventure, chance, gamble (on), hazard, tempt, venture;

compromise, endanger, imperil, jeopardize, menace;

expose, subject;

bet (on), wager;

Phrases

run the risk of;

RISK Defined for English Language Learners

risk

noun

: the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen
: someone or something that may cause something bad or unpleasant to happen
: a person or thing that someone judges to be a good or bad choice for insurance, a loan, etc.

risk

verb

: to put (something) in a situation in which it could be lost, damaged, etc.
: to do something that could result in (something bad or unpleasant)
: to do (something that may have harmful or bad results)

RISK Defined for Kids

risk

noun \ ˈrisk \

1 : possibility of loss or injury

This adventure involves risks.

2 : something or someone that may cause loss or injury

Smoking is a health risk.

risk

verb

risked; risking

1 : to expose to danger

He risked his life to save the children.

2 : to take the risk or danger of

I'm not willing to risk hurting myself.

Medical Dictionary

risk

noun \ ˈrisk \

1 : possibility of loss, injury, disease, or death

hypertension increases the risk of stroke

2 : a person considered in terms of the possible bad effects of a particular course of treatment

a poor surgical risk

— at risk

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

patients at risk of developing infections

Law Dictionary

risk

noun

1 a : possibility of loss or injury

b : liability for loss or injury if it occurs

the risk of loss passes to the buyer when the goods are duly delivered to the carrier
—Uniform Commercial Code

the risk of personal injury and property damage should be placed with the manufacturer rather than the consumer
—Case & Comment

2 a : the chance of loss to the subject matter of an insurance contract : uncertainty with regard to loss; also : the degree of probability of such loss — compare peril

b : a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer