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

Treasurys are caught between risk-averse sentiment prompting safe-haven flows and concerns about the potential inflationary consequences of higher oil prices, Deutsche Bank analysts said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

"Satire, parody, and political commentary using realistic synthetic media can get swept in, especially under risk-averse enforcement," Gupta said.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

Giving students real money to invest persuades them to do deeper research and be more risk-averse about possible picks, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

With money, those who are more risk-averse have tended to stick with savings, while others have moved into investments.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

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 • Nov. 25, 2025