risky

1 of 2

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

riskiness

2 of 2

noun

risk·​i·​ness

-kēnə̇s, 

-kin-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being risky : chanciness

Synonyms of risky

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Taxing employment always has been a blunt way to raise money, albeit less risky when moving involved more friction. — Stuart Loren, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

In an extreme case, the government could skip bond sales and simply force banks to lend — a risky step that might undermine the stability of the banks and the entire financial system. — David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

The objective is to encourage riskier, high-growth businesses — a positive for the growing cohort of micro-brands that have gained traction fast in the past decade. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Currently, some consumers get them through an unregulated gray market, without ever consulting a physician — a potentially risky option. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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