# risk

/ˈɹɪsk/ (US) · /ɹˈɪsk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/risk
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. possibility of danger

noun · CEFR B1

the chance that something bad, unpleasant, or dangerous will happen.

For teachers: the probability or likelihood of a negative occurrence or undesirable outcome.

- Skiing without a helmet carries a high risk of head injury.
- The financial advisor warned that the investment carried a significant risk of capital loss due to market volatility.

Usage: Often used in the patterns 'risk of [noun/gerund]' or 'at risk'.

### 2. a specific threat

noun · CEFR B2

a person or thing that is likely to cause a problem or danger.

For teachers: a specific factor, person, or entity representing a potential source of harm or loss.

- The old electrical wiring in the house is a serious fire risk.
- Insurance companies often view young, inexperienced drivers as a higher risk and charge them higher premiums accordingly.

### 3. to put in danger

verb · CEFR B1

to do something that might cause you to lose something or experience something bad.

For teachers: to expose someone or something to the possibility of harm, loss, or failure.

- He didn't want to risk his health by working too many hours.
- The captain refused to risk the lives of his crew by sailing into the heart of the storm.

Usage: Transitive verb; when followed by another action, use the -ing form (e.g., 'risk losing').

### 4. to take a chance

verb · CEFR B2

to do something even though you know it might fail or have a bad result.

For teachers: to undertake an action despite the awareness of potential negative consequences.

- I'll risk a guess and say the train is going to be late.
- Few entrepreneurs are willing to risk their entire life savings on a single unproven business concept.

## Examples

- Smoking is a big health risk.
- Investing in new companies carries a high degree of financial risk.
- The expedition leader had to weigh the risk of an avalanche against the dwindling food supplies when deciding whether to press on or turn back.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.