risk-averse

American  

[risk-uh-vurs] / ˈrɪsk əˌvɜrs /

adverb

1. reluctant to take risks; tending to avoid risks as much as possible.

   risk-averse entrepreneurs.

2. of or noting a person who invests in stocks, bonds, etc., with lower risks and generally lower rates of return so as to minimize the possibility of financial loss.

   risk-averse investors who stick with government bonds.

---

Etymology

Origin of risk-averse

First recorded in 1960–65; risk ( def. ) + averse ( def. )

Example Sentences

For risk-averse investors, there are increasingly popular T-bill ETFs, which now yield more than 3.75%.

From Barron's

The risk-averse sentiment extended to Bitcoin, while gold hit yet another new high, putting it up 65% this year.

From Barron's

Its industrial-capacity ambitions will fail if procurement remains slow, risk-averse and closed to new entrants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then this recurring cycle will begin again, as a new generation begins to enter the market and make fun of their elders for being foolishly risk-averse and old-fashioned.

From MarketWatch

Philadelphia’s quarterback is a Super Bowl MVP who can’t shake the perception that he’s too risk-averse, too reliant on his legs, and not maximizing the Philadelphia attack.

From The Wall Street Journal