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 a model alone might flag a transaction as risky, the decisions may contain high levels of inaccuracy without orchestrating the signals. — Harsh Verma, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The acquisition was considered risky because semiconductor manufacturing is highly cyclical and requires substantial capital investment. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026

But not speaking up can still be risky in an era of widespread worry about climate change, AI, war, and so on. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Because revenue bonds, which would be used to fund this program, are riskier than other bonds, investors might demand a higher return, translating to a higher interest rate. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 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