risk-averse
Americanadverb
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reluctant to take risks; tending to avoid risks as much as possible.
risk-averse entrepreneurs.
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“But your spouse is risk-averse and it would devastate her to lose $147,000. So let’s meet on the bridge” and bet less.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026
A steady, if inconspicuous, presence in California Democratic politics over the years, Becerra is largely perceived as a risk-averse candidate who would continue the status quo if he is elected.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026
The poll has sparked a debate about why Brits appear more risk-averse than people in the US.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
If it’s the case that El-Sayed has already consolidated the progressive vote, and the undecideds are more moderate, risk-averse Democrats, it could be a very close contest.
From Slate ● Jul. 11, 2026
A forceful nuclear push by state utility commissions and federal agencies will also be required because regulated utility executives are risk-averse, and having regulators’ support will help them make investment decisions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
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.
