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

But a riskier strategy is making a comeback — short selling, or betting that a stock will go down. — Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

If customer relationships, daily operations and key decisions all rely on one person, the transition becomes riskier. — Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

There are multiple faults in Venezuela and about 80% of the population lives in seismically risky zones. — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

In an era where lead performances are more and more being fraudulently campaigned for — and winning — in the supporting categories, pinning any awards hopes on a truly small-but-mighty turn feels risky. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 24 July 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