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

Willis at times has shown an aversion for check-downs and instead has attempted riskier or unwise throws, something that happened multiple times in Sunday’s 31-24 loss to Cincinnati. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026

Rescues this high are risky and expensive, and helicopters cannot safely fly at such altitudes. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026

Korean writer-director Han Jun-hee talked strategies for getting audiences to respond to risky or unfamiliar material in a masterclass at Netflix’s Creative Asia day at Busan International Film Festival. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

That gives companies a chance to earn a return on their investment — and makes those risky and expensive investments financially viable in the first place. — Dr. Bowman Heiden, Fortune, 10 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