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

Now there is unrest among local Ebola responders themselves after weeks of risky crisis work and little or no pay from the Congolese government. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

When one link fails, the entire project becomes riskier and more expensive to finance. — Bright Simons, semafor.com, 13 July 2026

These petite rooms are just the place to transcend neutrals and make a statement with riskier design schemes. — Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026

Some restaurants are removing risky ingredients from their menus as experts encourage caution. — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 July 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