risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms of risky

• dangerous
• hazardous
• perilous
• serious

Choose the Right Synonym for risky

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 risky in a Sentence

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

While some claim that diverging from proxy advisor recommendations is risky or signals weak governance discipline, the opposite is true. —Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

While none of the planes were damaged by the debris, such emergency maneuvering can be risky. —Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 8 Jan. 2026

Relying on Grok for those checks instead could be riskier, the source said. —Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

This form of crony capitalism, by which the government intervenes to benefit specific companies, is not only wrong but financially risky. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Rhymes for risky

• frisky
• whiskey
• whisky

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous