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.
A more risk-averse leader might use such triumphs as permission to take their foot off the gas.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
His comments echoed the company’s argument in court that it created a path to homeownership for thousands of lower-income consumers whom risk-averse banks reject.
From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026
Nine countries, at any time, could use their Persian and Oman Gulf shoreline to frighten risk-averse captains and insurers from using the strait.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
“When geopolitical tensions spike, some risk-averse investors feel a reflex to act immediately,” even on purchases that might be unaffordable or speculative investments, said Ulin.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026
Arsenal have also appeared to drop into a more risk-averse, negative approach when in front and looking to have games under control.
From BBC • Feb. 21, 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.
