risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: attended with risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms

• 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

For House Republicans in swing districts, this could be a risky game — particularly those who have encouraged GOP leadership to move forward with a plan to address the expiring subsidies that won’t lead to skyrocketing healthcare costs for their constituents. —Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025

After a huge surge in demand for adjustable-rate mortgages, demand for those riskier loans fell back last week. —Diana Olick, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025

Families should reassess financial aid strategies early, including comparing net prices, institutional grants, and work-study, to minimize reliance on riskier private loans as federal options contract. —Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025

Sometimes, too much product exiles moisture and nutrients, slows healthy skin processes, and even mixes company chemically, which is all risky on hairless skin. —Essence, 24 Sep. 2025

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