risk-benefit

American  

[risk-ben-uh-fit] / ˈrɪskˈbɛn ə fɪt /

adjective

1. involving studies, testing, etc., to establish whether the benefits, as of a course of medical treatment, outweigh the risks involved.

   to arrive at a risk-benefit ratio.

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Etymology

Origin of risk-benefit

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Yet Drs. Makary and Prasad didn’t seem to understand that the risk-benefit assessment for approving drugs for deadly diseases must be different.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

While the outcome was a “surprise,” it didn’t represent a new safety signal for Elevidys, nor did it change the risk-benefit balance for the treatment, Ingram said at the time.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

“Individual-based decision-making” polls well because it evokes time, attention and continuity of care — a trusted doctor who walks every family through a personalized risk-benefit calculus.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 6, 2026

"It is important for patients and families to know the true risk-benefit profile of flu treatments, such as oseltamivir, that are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics."

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

Hopefully many of them will update their risk-benefit analysis and get vaccinated, he says.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2025