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

Unless the Clippers are totally confident in Morant’s ability to bounce back and lead their franchise as an MVP candidate, this scenario just feels too risky. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

After discovering that the golf ball-sized tumor in her brain was pushing on the nerves controlling the right side of her body, doctors determined that surgical removal would be too risky. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

Higher interest rates tend to stoke market demand for safer assets, while putting pressure on riskier investments, including crypto. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

Updates often add stronger safeguards or reduce risky answers. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Dec. 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