Word
jeopardize
Phoneticsjeop·ar·dize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈdʒɛpɝˌdaɪz/
UK spelling · jeopardise
Definition
v. to put something important at risk. You use this when an action might cause a plan, a job, or a relationship to fail.
v. to expose to loss, damage, or failure; to place in a situation where there is a risk of harm.
Examples
“Drinking too much coffee might jeopardize your sleep tonight.”
“The athlete knew that missing another practice session would jeopardize her chances of making the Olympic team.”
“The CEO warned that any further leaks of confidential data would jeopardize the merger and lead to immediate legal action against those responsible.”
Examples
simple
“Drinking too much coffee might jeopardize your sleep tonight.”
contextual
“The athlete knew that missing another practice session would jeopardize her chances of making the Olympic team.”
complex
“The CEO warned that any further leaks of confidential data would jeopardize the merger and lead to immediate legal action against those responsible.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun like 'safety', 'future', or 'career'.
Pitfall
jeopardize about the project
jeopardize the project
Jeopardize is a transitive verb and does not take a preposition before its object.
Real-World Examples
“This latest incident suggests that one recalcitrant nation can jeopardise everyone’s safety.” “The State Department has denied its funding for the next two years, jeopardizing the education of hundreds of female Afghan students.” Etymology
From jeopardy + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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