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

Aside from its costly – and risky — production and distribution business, Belmer has increasingly looked to reposition TF1 around streaming and aggregation. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026

But he was caught by Chinese border patrol in Tibet’s Shigatse region, while making the risky journey to the Nepal border on foot with a guide. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026

The comments follow criticism from institutional investors spanning New York to Copenhagen, who say the unprecedented control Elon Musk has over SpaceX makes the stock too risky to hold. — Alastair Marsh, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

San Francisco made a risky gambit on Thursday by allowing left-hander Robbie Ray, who will likely be traded as well, to start against the Padres. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Aug. 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