Word
hazardous
Phoneticshaz·ardous
US/ˈhæzɝdəs/
UK/hˈæzədəs/
Definitions
01dangerous
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. dangerous and likely to cause harm or an accident.
adj. involving great risk or danger, particularly in relation to physical safety or environmental health.
“The stairs were hazardous because they were covered in a thin layer of ice.”
“The factory was forced to close temporarily after inspectors discovered that hazardous chemicals were being stored in leaking containers near the river.”
02involving chance
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. depending on luck or chance rather than a plan.
adj. dependent on chance or fortune; unpredictable in nature.
“The traveler took a hazardous path through the woods, hoping for good luck.”
“In the poet's view, life was a hazardous journey where one's fate rested entirely on the whims of fortune.”
Usage
In modern English, this sense is almost entirely replaced by 'risky' or 'uncertain'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“On Tuesday, six areas in Sarawak recorded hazardous air quality, with readings above 300 on Malaysia’s Air Pollutant Index.” “Household hazardous waste and electronic waste drop off is free of charge.” Etymology
From Middle French hasardeux, equivalent to hazard + -ous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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