risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: attended with risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms

• 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

The procedure is complicated and could be risky, but Wheeler is not the first MLB player to face TOS. —Sam Settleman, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025

Although the current price of approximately $23 may appear risky from a valuation standpoint, our analysis indicates that there is little cause for concern. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Infections are more risky in domestic rabbits and should be treated by veterinarians, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025

Recent studies have echoed these concerns, such as a 2024 analysis by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis that found SMRs are still too expensive, risky and slow to build to help the transition from fossil fuels. —Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 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