risky
gb/ɹˈɪski/ us/ɹˈɪski/
B1
English
~ 6500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
involving a high chance of harm or loss
Having a big chance that something bad will happen, so it is not safe or smart to do.
Usage pattern:
[something] is risky / it is risky to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"risky for do something"* instead of the correct patterns: *"risky to do something"* (e.g., "It is risky to drive fast"), or *"risky for [someone]"* (e.g., "Running is risky for him"). Another common confusion is between "risky" and "risqué": "risky" means likely to cause harm or trouble, while "risqué" means sexually shocking or not polite.
Synonyms
dangerous (Stronger and more physical; often used for things that can cause physical injury, while "risky" also covers financial and social dangers.)
|
hazardous (More formal and technical; common in safety regulations and official warnings.)
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speculative (Mostly used about money and business, focusing on financial uncertainty rather than physical danger.)
Antonyms
safe (Describes something unlikely to cause harm or loss, the opposite of involving risk.)
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low-risk (Often used in business or health; describes something with a small chance of a bad result.)
Collocations
risky decision
|risky behavior
|risky investment
|risky strategy
|risky surgery
|risky move
Themes
safety
|business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Investing all your savings in one small company is extremely risky.
- He knew it was risky to drive in such heavy snow, but he had no choice.
- The doctor explained that the operation was risky but could save her life.
- That’s a risky joke to make in front of your boss.
- Launching a new product during a recession is a risky strategy.
Learner examples
- Smoking is risky for your health.
- It is risky to swim alone at night.
- Buying that old car without checking it is risky.
- This is a risky game; you can lose a lot of money.
- Climbing without a rope is very risky.
Grammar
Dictionary form
risky
IPA
GB/ɹˈɪski/
US/ɹˈɪski/
Syllables & stress
risky (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (risky)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: risky
- Comparative: riskier
- Superlative: riskiest
Word family
Expressions
a risky move
1/ə ɹˈɪski mˈuv/
fixed phrase
action or choice that is dangerous
An action or decision that might easily bring a bad result.
Examples
- Quitting his job with no new offer was a risky move.
- It was a risky move to tell her exactly what he thought of the plan.
risky business
1/ɹˈɪski bˈɪznɪs/
fixed phrase
activity that is dangerous or uncertain
An action or activity that can easily go wrong or cause problems, harm, or loss.
Examples
- Sharing your bank details online is risky business.
- Starting a restaurant can be risky business, especially in a big city.