risk

noun
UK: /rɪsk/
US: /rɪsk/

  1. The possibility of something bad happening.

    1. There is a risk of rain today, so take an umbrella. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company took a significant risk by investing in that new venture. [ ] [ ]

  2. A person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.

    1. He is a risk to others. [ ] [ ]
    2. Driving without insurance is a risk to yourself and other drivers. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

danger uncertainty peril hazard speculate gamble threat
risk verb

  1. To expose someone or something valued to danger, harm, or loss.

    1. Don't risk your life. [ ] [ ]
    2. He risked everything to save his friend from the fire. [ ] [ ]

  2. To take a chance, hoping for a positive outcome despite potential negative consequences.

    1. I'll risk it and go out now. [ ] [ ]
    2. They risked being caught, but they needed the information. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "risk" in English means: The possibility of something bad happening., A person or thing likely to cause damage or danger..

The phonetic transcription of "risk" is /rɪsk/ in British English and /rɪsk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "risk": danger, uncertainty, peril, hazard, speculate, gamble, threat.

Example usage of "risk": "There is a risk of rain today, so take an umbrella.". More examples on the page.