calculated risk

American  

noun

1. a chance of failure, the probability of which is estimated before some action is undertaken.

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calculated risk Idioms  

1. A chance taken after careful estimation of the probable outcome, as in Taking their dispute to arbitration was definitely a calculated risk. This term uses calculated in the sense of “planned with forethought,” a usage from the mid-1800s. Its pairing with risk dates from World War II, when the chances for losing bombers were taken into account before a bombing mission was sent out. After the war the term was transferred to other undertakings where taking a chance to succeed had to be weighed against the costs of failure.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

calculated risk

It’s not so much a trick as it is a calculated risk people take based on actuarial tables, anticipated life expectancy and their own health and financial circumstances.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 11, 2026

"Risk is necessary -- but calculated risk, well-thought out risk and risk that you balance with others," Hansen responded.

From Barron's ● Apr. 9, 2026

"It doesn't sound like much, but everything in life is a calculated risk," Schmerr noted.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 7, 2025

In the end, Sachs’ calculated risk paid off.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2025

It was a calculated risk, but now Kaz could only wait and hope that laziness and bureaucracy would do the rest.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo