risky

[ris-kee]

adjective

riskier, riskiest 

1. attended with or involving risk; hazardous.

   a risky undertaking.

   Synonyms: perilous, dangerous

risky

/ ˈrɪskɪ /

adjective

1. involving danger; perilous

Other Word Forms

• riskily adverb
• riskiness noun
• unrisky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of risky¹

First recorded in 1820–30; risk + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“But of course, a mission like this is inherently risky,” Wilder said.

From Los Angeles Times

But there are people who feel that daily ritual is becoming increasingly risky.

From BBC

A former NHS gynaecologist's risky practices and shortcuts contributed to women suffering severe physical harm, a long-awaited report into his care has found.

From BBC

It’s the impetus for the entire drama that unfolds in this film, and it feels genuinely risky — a taboo that will be hard for this film to resolve.

From Los Angeles Times

"She would be really mindful about those more risky lifts and flips and things because of the risk of injury if it went wrong," Marismari says.

From BBC

Related Words

• delicate 
• dicey 
• hazardous 
• perilous 
• precarious 
• sensitive 
• speculative 
• treacherous 
• tricky 
• uncertain 
• unhealthy 
• unsafe 
• unsound 

When To Use

What does risky mean?

Risky describes something that involves risk or hazards, as in Walking a tightrope without a net below is risky.Risky is almost always used to describe an action taken that could lead to negative consequences, such as when you decide not to study for your final exams.Example: Working as a firefighter is a risky but worthwhile job.