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

Freezing doesn’t kill pathogens and the alcohol in a drink won’t either, so ice made from tap water stays risky. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Banks and insurance companies spend billions of dollars to employ staff to screen risky transactions, process claims, and onboard new customers. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 24 June 2026

The investments are necessary, but risky, and there are very few takers for projects of this size and complexity. — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 24 June 2026

To be sure, high-yield bonds are considered riskier than investment-grade corporates — which means there is the potential for defaults. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 24 June 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