risk
gb/ɹˈɪsk/ us/ɹˈɪsk/
B1
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
possibility of harm or loss
The chance that something bad will happen.
Usage pattern:
at risk of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'risk' with 'danger'. 'Risk' refers to the possibility of harm, while 'danger' is the actual presence of harm.
Synonyms
danger (Implies exposure to harm, often more immediate or severe than 'risk'.)
|
hazard (Often used for physical or environmental dangers; more concrete than 'risk'.)
Antonyms
safety (Refers to being protected from harm, the opposite state of being at risk.)
Collocations
at risk
|risk of injury
|high risk
|risk management
|take a risk
Themes
safety
|business
|health
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a high risk of flooding in this area.
- Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
- Investors are worried about the risk of losing money.
- The project carries some financial risks.
- Children are at risk of dehydration in hot weather.
Learner examples
- There is a risk of rain today.
- Smoking is a risk to your health.
- Driving fast can be a big risk.
- He took a risk to help his friend.
Verb
B2
action
2
expose to possible harm or loss
To do something that might cause bad results.
Usage pattern:
risk [something] by [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'risk' without an object when a specific thing being risked should be stated, e.g., 'He risked to fall' (incorrect) instead of 'He risked falling'.
Synonyms
endanger (Focuses on causing danger rather than taking a chance.)
|
jeopardize (More formal; stresses putting something important in danger.)
Antonyms
protect (Means to keep safe from harm, the opposite of risking.)
Collocations
risk your life
|risk losing
|risk injury
|risk everything
Themes
daily life
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He risked his life to save the child.
- You shouldn't risk your health by working too much.
- They risk losing everything if they invest in that scheme.
- She risked injury by climbing without safety gear.
Learner examples
- He risked his life to save her.
- Don't risk your health for money.
- She risked losing her job by speaking out.
Grammar
Dictionary form
risk
IPA
GB/ɹˈɪsk/
US/ɹˈɪsk/
Syllables & stress
risk (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (risk)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: risk
- Plural: risk, risks
Verb
- Base: risk
- 3rd Person Singular: risks
- Present Participle: risking
- Past: risked
Word family
Forms
risks
noun
risking
verb
risked
verb
Core family
risky
adjective B1
Related words
riskiness
noun
Expressions
at risk
1/ˈæt ɹˈɪsk/
fixed phrase
in danger of harm or loss
In a situation where something bad could happen.
Examples
- The species is at risk due to habitat loss.
- Children are at risk from second-hand smoke.
at your own risk
1/ˈæt jˈʊɹ ˈoʊn ɹˈɪsk/
fixed phrase
without others being responsible for danger
Used to say that you are responsible for any bad result if you do something.
Examples
- You can swim here, but it's at your own risk.
- Visitors enter the area at their own risk.
risk it
1/ɹˈɪsk ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
try despite possible danger or loss
To decide to do something even though it might have a bad result.
Examples
- I don't have an umbrella, but I'll risk it and walk home.
- She decided to risk it and speak in front of the class.
run the risk
1/ɹˈʌn ðə ɹˈɪsk/
fixed phrase
knowingly accept possible danger
To do something even though you know it could cause trouble or harm.
Examples
- If you lie, you run the risk of losing their trust.
- We run the risk of missing the flight if we don't leave now.
take a risk
1/tˈeɪk ə ɹˈɪsk/
fixed phrase
do something with possible danger
To do something even though it might be dangerous or cause problems.
Examples
- Sometimes you have to take a risk to achieve your goals.
- She took a risk by starting her own business.