dangerous

adjective

dan·​ger·​ous ˈdān-jə-rəs 

ˈdān-jərs,

-zhrəs

1

: involving possible injury, pain, harm, or loss : characterized by danger

a dangerous job

2

: able or likely to inflict injury or harm

a dangerous man

dangerously adverb

dangerousness noun

Synonyms

• grave
• grievous
• hazardous
• jeopardizing
• menacing
• parlous
• perilous
• risky
• serious
• threatening
• unhealthy
• unsafe
• venturesome

Choose the Right Synonym for dangerous

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

Example Sentences

She got into a car accident while driving through a dangerous intersection.

He often drives at dangerous speeds.

The city can be a dangerous place to live.

The storms may cause dangerous flooding.

He is wanted for assault with a dangerous weapon.

the most dangerous of drugs

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Recent Examples on the Web

Brief exposure isn’t enough to make people sick, but prolonged exposure — especially for those with respiratory issues — can be dangerous, scientists say. —Suman Naishadham, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2023

The loss of labor and delivery services in rural hospitals can be dangerous. —Brittany Shammas And Marisa Iati, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Mar. 2023

Travel will be dangerous in the area, with hazardous road conditions impacting morning and evening commutes. —Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 22 Mar. 2023

These drugs can be very effective—and a good tool in the toolbox—to help with weight loss in overweight or obese patients, Alan said, but inappropriate use can be dangerous. —Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2023

The far-right conspiracy theorist said Trump’s call for protest, ahead of his potential indictment, is dangerous. —Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 21 Mar. 2023

The loss of labor and delivery services in rural hospitals can be dangerous. —Marisa Iati, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2023

Leaving pets outside can be dangerous, and sensitive plants should also be brought indoors if possible. —Zaeem Shaikh, Dallas News, 18 Mar. 2023

Those smaller objects can still be dangerous, but not on a wide scale. —oregonlive, 17 Mar. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see danger entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dangerous

• dangerous waters
• on dangerous ground
• dangerous ground/territory
• armed and dangerous

• dangerous waters
• on dangerous ground
• dangerous ground/territory
• armed and dangerous

Kids Definition

dangerous

adjective

dan·​ger·​ous ˈdānj-(ə-)rəs 

1

: exposing to or involving danger

a dangerous mission

2

: able or likely to cause injury

dangerous weapons

dangerously adverb

dangerousness noun

Legal Definition

dangerous

adjective

dan·​ger·​ous

1

: creating a risk of bodily injury

a dangerous condition of a public building

2

: able or likely to inflict especially serious bodily injury

a dangerous criminal with no regard for human life

a dangerous animal

also : deadly

3

: likely to engage in repeated criminal activity

a dangerous offender

Note: The activity that an offender is likely to engage in need not involve violence in order for the offender to be deemed dangerous.