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

In 2007, the French actress embarked on one of the riskiest endeavors of her career, creating a modern dance piece called In-I with British dancer-choreographer Akram Khan that would take them on a world tour together. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026

Even a small push or bump during repairs can send a spacecraft tumbling, making operations risky and difficult to control. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026

The work is risky as miners do not have enough protection. —ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026

The private credit industry faces increasing scrutiny following years of rapid growth that pushed lenders toward more risky borrowers and more complex loan structures. —Yun Li, CNBC, 12 Mar. 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