risky
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What does risky mean? Risky describes something that involves risk or hazards, as in Walking a tightrope without a net below is risky.Risky is almost always used to describe an action taken that could lead to negative consequences, such as when you decide not to study for your final exams.Example: Working as a firefighter is a risky but worthwhile job.
Other Word Forms
- riskily adverb
- riskiness noun
- unrisky adjective
Etymology
Origin of risky
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The move is risky, and it will be quarrelsome — especially for those who still see Zendaya as an idyllic Disney star, despite her respectable penchant for complicated characters.
From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026
And if this E shape persists, it could create a risky situation for the country.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
For companies, the smaller deals are less risky than huge outlays that can saddle acquirers with big debt loads.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
Scientists found that consuming caffeine at night can increase impulsive behavior, raising the likelihood of risky or uncontrolled actions.
From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026
No matter how risky it was, we couldn’t stay away.
From "The Old Willis Place" by Mary Downing Hahn
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
