ENGLISH
REFERENCE

risking

v. · n.
US //ˈɹɪskɪŋ// UK //ɹˈɪskɪŋ// risk·ing
  1. 1 taking a chance (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    doing something that might have a bad result because you hope for a good one.

    engaging in an action with a known potential for negative consequences or failure. Often used as a gerund or in continuous tenses.

    Example

    By quitting his job without a new one, he is risking his financial future.

    Example

    Risking everything on a single investment is rarely a sound strategy for long-term wealth preservation.

    Usage

    Often followed by a noun phrase or a gerund ending in -ing.
    • playing it safe
  2. 2 putting something in danger (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    putting something valuable, like your health or money, in a position where it could be lost or hurt.

    exposing a specific person, object, or abstract quality to danger or loss. Transitive use requiring a direct object.

    Example

    The firefighters were risking their lives to save the family from the burning building.

    Example

    The captain refused to sail during the storm, fearing that he would be risking the lives of his crew unnecessarily.

    Usage

    Takes a direct object representing the person or thing in danger.
  3. 3 the act of taking a risk (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of putting something at risk.

    the action or instance of exposing something to hazard or possibility of loss. Used as a verbal noun.

    Example

    The risking of so much capital on a new product was a bold move by the company.

    Example

    The deliberate risking of state secrets for personal gain is considered a grave offence in most jurisdictions.

Last updated June 20, 2026