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

These loans are riskier for the lender to finance because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac won’t purchase them. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025

Supporters argue such measures could ease mounting mental-health and safety concerns, while critics warn that forcing teens off mainstream platforms may drive them into riskier online spaces. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Others argue that the protocol in place now for working farmers to transition to certifiably organic is not only complicated but also risky. —Kelly Damewood, Fortune, 25 Nov. 2025

Still, the number of Americans turning to these riskier loans has climbed sharply. —Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 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