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 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) highlights how sleep deficiency, on the other hand, impairs these abilities and is linked to emotional issues, depression, and risky behaviors—especially in children and teens. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025

But through the sheer power of mixing genes into new combinations, the risky gamble of interspecies pairings has also sometimes majorly paid off. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 31 July 2025

Others appear to be chasing bitcoin headlines in hopes of salvaging waning relevance — a risky strategy if unaccompanied by fundamentals... —Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

Each has different mitigation requirements with Zone A, the riskiest, having the most stringent. —Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 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