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

India does not have an ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing and on the services side, IT companies are focused on services and labor arbitrage over newer areas that would be risky and consume a lot of capital, Garre said. —Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 June 2026

The riskiest habit is preheating an empty nonstick pan on high heat. —Ryan Brennan june 2, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

Lasers have long had a reputation for being a risky treatment for melanin-rich skin due to the heightened risk of burns or discoloration. —Aimee Simeon, Allure, 3 June 2026

At one point, moderators even allowed Jones to direct questions toward Jackson's empty podium — an unusual debate moment that Malsin described as both risky and effective television. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 3 June 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