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A2 noun #18 most common 7 min read

risk

Top 18

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips risk in 30 Seconds

Explanation risk in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'risk' is a word you might not use often, but it is important to understand. It means something might go wrong. For example, if you walk in the rain, there is a risk you will get a cold. It is about danger. You can think of it as a 'bad chance'. You might hear people say 'It's a risk' when they are talking about doing something that isn't 100% safe. Simple sentences like 'Don't take a risk' are common. You should know that it usually describes a negative possibility. Even at this early stage, knowing that 'risk' equals 'danger' or 'problem' is very helpful for basic safety instructions and simple conversations about choices.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'risk' in common phrases. The most important phrase is 'take a risk'. This means doing something even though you know something bad might happen. You also learn 'at risk', which describes people or things in danger. For example, 'The animals are at risk'. You can use adjectives like 'big' or 'small' with risk. 'It is a big risk to travel alone.' You are moving beyond just knowing the word to using it to describe situations in your daily life, like health, money, or travel. You understand that 'risk' is the noun form of the idea that things are not certain.

At the B1 level, you can use 'risk' more flexibly in different contexts. You understand collocations like 'run a risk' or 'assess a risk'. You can talk about 'financial risk' or 'health risks' with more detail. You also start to see 'risk' used with 'of' and an '-ing' verb, like 'the risk of losing money'. You can explain why something is risky and compare different risks. You might use it in a work context to talk about potential problems with a project. Your understanding of the word now includes the idea of probability—how likely it is that the bad thing will happen.

At the B2 level, you use 'risk' with more precision and variety. You are comfortable with terms like 'calculated risk', 'risk assessment', and 'risk management'. You can use the word in formal writing and debates. You understand the nuance between 'risk' and 'hazard'. You can use phrases like 'at the risk of sounding...' to introduce a potentially controversial opinion politely. You are aware of the uncountable and countable uses of the word. You can discuss complex topics like 'environmental risks' or 'global economic risks' using appropriate supporting vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'risk'. You can use it in academic and professional settings with ease. You understand idiomatic expressions and metaphors involving risk. You can discuss 'risk mitigation', 'risk appetite', and 'systemic risk'. You are sensitive to the register of the word and can choose synonyms like 'peril' or 'jeopardy' to create a specific tone in your writing. You can analyze the concept of risk in literature or philosophy. Your usage is natural, and you can handle the word in fast-paced, complex discussions without hesitation, accurately reflecting the degree of uncertainty or danger involved.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'risk' is complete. You can use the word and its derivatives in the most nuanced ways possible. You understand the historical etymology and how the concept of risk has evolved in different cultures and legal systems. You can use 'risk' in highly technical fields like actuarial science or advanced economics. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it in subtle or ironic ways. You have a full command of all related idioms and can even coin new expressions that sound natural. Your use of 'risk' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, used with perfect precision and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

risk in 30 Seconds

Risk is the possibility of loss or harm in an uncertain situation.
It is commonly used in phrases like 'take a risk' or 'at risk'.
Risk can be found in finance, health, sports, and daily life.
The word describes both the danger itself and the chance of it happening.

The word risk is a fundamental concept in the English language, primarily used to describe the possibility that something unpleasant or dangerous will happen. At its core, a risk involves an action or a situation where the outcome is uncertain, and there is a potential for loss, injury, or failure. In everyday conversation, we use 'risk' to weigh our options. For instance, when you decide to walk outside without an umbrella when the sky is grey, you are taking a risk that you might get wet. This noun is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from extreme sports and financial investments to health warnings and personal relationships. Understanding 'risk' is about understanding the balance between safety and the unknown.

Daily Life: In daily life, a risk is often a choice. You might take a risk by trying a new restaurant or by speaking up in a meeting. It implies that you know things might not go perfectly, but you proceed anyway.

Starting a new business is a huge financial risk, but the potential rewards are worth it.

Professional Context: In business and finance, risk is quantified. Professionals talk about 'risk management' or 'risk assessment' to describe the process of identifying and minimizing potential problems before they occur.

Smoking increases the risk of developing heart disease significantly.

Scientific Usage: In science and medicine, risk refers to the probability of an adverse event. Doctors talk about 'health risks' associated with certain lifestyles or genetic predispositions.

The risk of flooding in this area is quite low due to the new dam.

Investors are often willing to accept a higher risk for the chance of a higher return.

Don't take the risk of driving in this heavy snowstorm; it is not safe.

Using the word 'risk' correctly requires understanding its common collocations and grammatical structures. As a noun, it is frequently paired with verbs that indicate how we interact with danger. You can 'take a risk' (do something dangerous), 'run a risk' (be in a situation where danger is possible), or 'minimize a risk' (make the danger smaller). It is also common to see 'risk' followed by the preposition 'of' and a gerund or noun, such as 'the risk of falling' or 'the risk of fire'.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs include: take, run, face, assess, reduce, avoid, and calculate. Each changes the nuance of how the risk is being handled.

You run the risk of losing your job if you continue to arrive late every day.

Adjective Modifiers: Adjectives like 'high', 'low', 'significant', 'calculated', 'unnecessary', and 'potential' help describe the nature and size of the risk.

The doctor explained that there is a slight risk associated with the surgery.

It was a calculated risk that eventually paid off for the company.

Prepositional Phrases: 'At the risk of' is a common phrase used to introduce a statement that might be offensive or misunderstood. 'At the risk of sounding rude, I don't like your hat.'

The mountain climber knew the risk but decided to proceed to the summit.

There is no risk to the public from the chemical spill, officials said.

'Risk' is a word that permeates almost every sector of society. You will hear it in the news, in the doctor's office, in financial reports, and in casual conversations about life choices. Because humans are naturally concerned with safety and success, 'risk' serves as a primary tool for evaluating the world around us. In the 21st century, the term has taken on even more weight with the rise of 'risk-based' technologies and global crises like climate change or pandemics, where 'risk assessment' becomes a daily topic of public discourse.

Financial News: Stock market analysts constantly discuss 'risk appetite' and 'risk-averse' investors. They use these terms to describe how much money people are willing to lose for a potential gain.

The bank's risk management strategy was criticized after the market crash.

Healthcare Settings: Doctors use 'risk' to explain the likelihood of side effects or the benefits of a vaccine. Patients are often asked to sign 'risk disclosure' forms before procedures.

Living near a busy road can increase the risk of respiratory issues in children.

The insurance company refused to cover the house because of the high fire risk.

Sports and Adventure: Commentators often talk about athletes 'taking a risk' with a daring play or a difficult move that could either win the game or result in a mistake.

He is a risk-taker who enjoys skydiving and mountain biking.

The risk of injury is always present in professional contact sports.

While 'risk' is a common word, learners often confuse it with similar concepts like 'danger', 'chance', or 'hazard'. A 'risk' is specifically the *possibility* of loss or injury, whereas 'danger' is the state of being exposed to harm. You *face* a danger, but you *take* a risk. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Learners might say 'risk for' when 'risk of' is the standard idiomatic choice in most contexts. Additionally, confusing the noun 'risk' with the adjective 'risky' is a frequent grammatical slip.

Risk vs. Danger: 'Danger' is the thing that can hurt you (e.g., a lion). 'Risk' is the chance that the lion will actually hurt you if you go near it.

Incorrect: There is a high risk for rain today. Correct: There is a high risk of rain today.

Risk vs. Chance: 'Chance' is often positive (a chance to win), while 'risk' is almost always negative (a risk of losing). Don't use 'risk' for positive opportunities.

Incorrect: I don't want to risk winning the lottery. Correct: I don't want to risk losing my money.

Incorrect: He is a very risk person. Correct: He is a very risky person (or better: He is a risk-taker).

Pluralization: 'Risk' can be countable or uncountable. Use 'risks' when talking about multiple specific dangers (e.g., 'the risks of the job').

We must weigh the risks against the potential benefits before we decide.

There is too much risk involved in this project for my liking.

Expanding your vocabulary beyond 'risk' allows for more precise communication. Depending on the context—whether it's a physical threat, a financial gamble, or a scientific probability—different words might be more appropriate. Synonyms like 'hazard', 'peril', and 'jeopardy' carry more weight and often imply a more immediate or severe threat. Conversely, words like 'venture' or 'gamble' focus more on the action of taking the risk for a potential reward.

Hazard vs. Risk: A 'hazard' is a source of potential harm (like a wet floor). The 'risk' is the likelihood that someone will actually slip on that floor.

The chemical spill posed a significant health hazard to the workers.

Peril vs. Risk: 'Peril' is a more formal and literary word, usually implying great or imminent danger. You might read about 'the perils of the sea' in a novel.

The explorers were in great peril when the storm hit their small boat.

The company's future is in jeopardy due to the massive debt.

Gamble vs. Risk: A 'gamble' implies that the outcome is left mostly to chance, often with the hope of a big win. 'Risk' is broader and can be more calculated.

It was a gamble to quit his job without another one lined up.

The uncertainty of the situation made everyone nervous.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Some linguists believe the word might trace back to the Greek 'rhiza', meaning 'root' or 'cliff', suggesting the danger of sailing near rocky shores.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪsk/

US /rɪsk/

Single syllable, no primary stress variation.

Rhymes With

brisk disk whisk frisk asterisk obelisk basilisk tisk

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'rich'
Adding an extra vowel at the end
Missing the 's' or 'k' sound
Confusing with 'wrist'
Confusing with 'rest'

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of collocations like 'take' or 'run'.

Speaking 2/5

Short and easy to pronounce.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but watch for 's' and 'k'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

danger safe chance bad happen

Learn Next

hazard peril uncertainty probability mitigate

Advanced

actuarial systemic volatility contingency liability

Grammar to Know

Gerunds after 'risk of'

The risk of falling (not 'to fall').

Zero article with general risk

Risk is part of life.

Adjectives before risk

A high risk, a small risk.

Preposition 'at'

He is at risk.

Verbs like 'take' and 'run'

Don't run the risk.

Examples by Level

There is a risk of rain today.

Il y a un risque de pluie aujourd'hui.

Risk + of + noun.

Don't take a risk with your health.

Ne prenez pas de risque avec votre santé.

Take + a + risk.

Is there any risk?

Y a-t-il un risque ?

Question form.

The risk is very small.

Le risque est très petit.

Adjective + risk.

It is a big risk.

C'est un grand risque.

Article + adjective + risk.

I don't like risk.

Je n'aime pas le risque.

Uncountable use.

Driving fast is a risk.

Conduire vite est un risque.

Gerund as subject.

The risk of fire is high.

Le risque d'incendie est élevé.

Risk of + noun.

You are at risk if you don't wear a helmet.

Vous êtes en danger si vous ne portez pas de casque.

At risk (phrase).

He took a risk and won the game.

Il a pris un risque et a gagné le match.

Past tense of take.

There are many risks in this job.

Il y a beaucoup de risques dans ce travail.

Plural 'risks'.

Smoking is a health risk.

Fumer est un risque pour la santé.

Compound noun.

We need to reduce the risk.

Nous devons réduire le risque.

Verb + the + risk.

Is it worth the risk?

Est-ce que ça en vaut le risque ?

Worth + the + risk.

The risk of falling is real.

Le risque de tomber est réel.

Risk of + -ing verb.

She doesn't want to run the risk of being late.

Elle ne veut pas courir le risque d'être en retard.

Run the risk of.

Investors must assess the risk before buying stocks.

Les investisseurs doivent évaluer le risque avant d'acheter des actions.

Assess the risk.

There is a significant risk of flooding this year.

Il y a un risque important d'inondation cette année.

Significant + risk.

They are at risk of losing their home.

Ils risquent de perdre leur maison.

At risk of + -ing.

We must minimize the risk of errors.

Nous devons minimiser le risque d'erreurs.

Minimize the risk.

The benefits outweigh the risks.

Les avantages l'emportent sur les risques.

Outweigh the risks.

It was a calculated risk that paid off.

C'était un risque calculé qui a porté ses fruits.

Calculated risk.

The risk factor for this disease is high.

Le facteur de risque pour cette maladie est élevé.

Risk factor (term).

He avoided the risk by staying home.

Il a évité le risque en restant à la maison.

Avoid the risk.

The company faces a major financial risk.

L'entreprise fait face à un risque financier majeur.

Face a risk.

Risk management is essential for any project.

La gestion des risques est essentielle pour tout projet.

Risk management.

At the risk of sounding repetitive, we must hurry.

Au risque de paraître répétitif, nous devons nous dépêcher.

At the risk of sounding...

The potential risks were clearly outlined in the report.

Les risques potentiels étaient clairement indiqués dans le rapport.

Potential risks.

She is not a person who likes to take unnecessary risks.

Ce n'est pas une personne qui aime prendre des risques inutiles.

Unnecessary risks.

The risk of contagion is a major concern for the public.

Le risque de contagion est une préoccupation majeure pour le public.

Risk of contagion.

The project was abandoned due to the high risk involved.

Le projet a été abandonné en raison du risque élevé encouru.

Risk involved.

They are running the risk of alienating their customers.

Ils courent le risque de s'aliéner leurs clients.

Run the risk of + -ing.

The systemic risk to the global economy is unprecedented.

Le risque systémique pour l'économie mondiale est sans précédent.

Systemic risk.

We must mitigate the risk of data breaches.

Nous devons atténuer le risque de violations de données.

Mitigate the risk.

The decision was fraught with risk.

La décision était pleine de risques.

Fraught with risk.

His comments were made at the risk of his own reputation.

Ses commentaires ont été faits au péril de sa propre réputation.

At the risk of (abstract).

The risk-reward ratio is not favorable in this instance.

Le ratio risque-récompense n'est pas favorable dans ce cas.

Risk-reward ratio.

They operate in a high-risk environment.

Ils opèrent dans un environnement à haut risque.

High-risk (adjective).

The inherent risks of space travel are well-documented.

Les risques inhérents aux voyages spatiaux sont bien documentés.

Inherent risks.

One cannot eliminate risk entirely from the equation.

On ne peut pas éliminer entièrement le risque de l'équation.

Eliminate risk.

The act was a calculated risk, predicated on the hope of a swift resolution.

L'acte était un risque calculé, fondé sur l'espoir d'une résolution rapide.

Complex sentence structure.

He spoke truth to power, even at the risk of professional ostracization.

Il a dit la vérité au pouvoir, même au risque d'une ostracisation professionnelle.

Abstract risk usage.

The philosophical implications of risk-taking are explored in his latest book.

Les implications philosophiques de la prise de risque sont explorées dans son dernier livre.

Risk-taking (gerund noun).

The insurance industry is built upon the quantification of risk.

Le secteur de l'assurance repose sur la quantification du risque.

Quantification of risk.

To live is to risk; there is no safety in stagnation.

Vivre, c'est risquer ; il n'y a pas de sécurité dans la stagnation.

Infinitive as subject/complement.

The geopolitical risks associated with the treaty are manifold.

Les risques géopolitiques associés au traité sont multiples.

Geopolitical risks.

The risk appetite of the board has diminished significantly since the scandal.

L'appétence pour le risque du conseil d'administration a considérablement diminué depuis le scandale.

Risk appetite.

The venture was characterized by an extraordinary level of financial risk.

L'entreprise se caractérisait par un niveau extraordinaire de risque financier.

Characterized by + risk.

Common Collocations

take a risk

at risk

high risk

run a risk

risk assessment

calculated risk

minimize risk

financial risk

risk factor

health risk

Common Phrases

at your own risk

— You are responsible for any harm.

Swim at your own risk.

worth the risk

— The reward justifies the danger.

The climb was worth the risk.

at the risk of

— Used to introduce a potential problem.

At the risk of sounding rude...

risk life and limb

— To do something very dangerous.

He risked life and limb to save the cat.

put at risk

— To endanger something.

Don't put your future at risk.

no risk, no reward

— You must take chances to succeed.

Remember: no risk, no reward.

calculated risk

— A danger that has been thought about.

It was a calculated risk.

security risk

— A threat to safety or data.

That password is a security risk.

fire risk

— Something that might cause a fire.

Old wires are a fire risk.

low risk

— Very little danger.

This is a low risk procedure.

Often Confused With

risk vs danger

Danger is the cause; risk is the chance.

risk vs chance

Chance is often positive; risk is usually negative.

risk vs hazard

Hazard is a specific object or situation that is dangerous.

Idioms & Expressions

"skating on thin ice"

— Taking a big risk that might lead to trouble.

You're skating on thin ice with that attitude.

informal

"play it safe"

— To avoid taking any risks.

I'll play it safe and take the bus.

neutral

"stick your neck out"

— To take a risk by saying or doing something bold.

I'm sticking my neck out for you here.

informal

"throw caution to the wind"

— To stop being careful and take a risk.

He threw caution to the wind and quit.

neutral

"bet the farm"

— To risk everything you have on one thing.

Don't bet the farm on this stock.

informal

"dicey situation"

— A situation that is unpredictable and risky.

Things are looking a bit dicey.

informal

"living on the edge"

— Living a life full of danger and risk.

He loves living on the edge.

informal

"burn your bridges"

— To take a risk that prevents you from going back.

Don't burn your bridges when you leave.

neutral

"put all your eggs in one basket"

— To risk everything on a single plan.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

neutral

"take the plunge"

— To finally do something risky or important.

They decided to take the plunge and marry.

informal

Easily Confused

risk vs wrist

Similar sound.

A wrist is a body part; a risk is a danger.

I hurt my wrist while taking a risk.

risk vs rich

Similar sound for beginners.

Rich means having money; risk means danger.

He is rich because he took a risk.

risk vs rest

Similar vowel sound.

Rest means to relax; risk means danger.

I need to rest after taking that risk.

risk vs rise

Similar spelling.

Rise means to go up; risk means danger.

The risk of a price rise is high.

risk vs rescue

Starts with 'r'.

Rescue means to save; risk means to endanger.

The rescue was a big risk.

Sentence Patterns

There is a risk of [noun].

There is a risk of rain.

Don't take a risk with [noun].

Don't take a risk with your money.

The risk of [verb-ing] is [adjective].

The risk of losing is high.

We must assess the risks associated with [noun].

We must assess the risks associated with the project.

At the risk of [verb-ing], I would like to [verb].

At the risk of offending you, I would like to disagree.

The [adjective] risk is inherent in [noun].

The systemic risk is inherent in the financial market.

He is at risk of [noun].

He is at risk of failure.

It was a [adjective] risk.

It was a calculated risk.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Top 1000 most common English words.

Common Mistakes

I made a risk. → I took a risk.
The verb 'take' is the standard collocation for 'risk'.
There is a risk for rain. → There is a risk of rain.
The preposition 'of' is used with 'risk' to indicate the type of danger.
He is a risk person. → He is a risky person.
Use the adjective 'risky' to describe a person or thing.
I don't want to risk to lose. → I don't want to risk losing.
The verb 'risk' is followed by a gerund (-ing form).
The animals are in risk. → The animals are at risk.
The correct prepositional phrase is 'at risk'.

Tips

Use 'of' not 'for'

Always say 'risk of something' rather than 'risk for something' in most cases.

Calculated Risk

Use 'calculated risk' to describe a smart, well-thought-out danger.

At the risk of...

Use this phrase to be polite when you are about to say something that might be disliked.

Avoid 'Make'

Never write 'make a risk'. Use 'take a risk' instead.

Plural S

Listen carefully for the 's' at the end of 'risks' to know if they are talking about one or many.

Risk-Taker

In English, calling someone a 'risk-taker' is often a compliment.

At your own risk

If you see a sign saying 'at your own risk', it means the owner is not responsible for you.

Risk Appetite

In business, 'risk appetite' means how much risk a company is willing to accept.

The 'SK' sound

Make sure to pronounce both the 's' and the 'k' clearly at the end.

Visualizing

Visualize a 'Stop' sign and a 'K' for 'Keep going' to remember the tension in 'risk'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember: Risk Is Some Knotty (RISK) problem that might cause danger.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking a tightrope over a pit of crocodiles. The tightrope is the action, and the pit is the risk.

Word Web

Danger Chance Money Health Safety Gamble Insurance Venture

Challenge

Try to use the word 'risk' in three different sentences today: one about food, one about travel, and one about work.

Word Origin

The word 'risk' entered English in the 17th century from the French 'risque'. It originally comes from the Italian 'risco' or 'rischio', which meant 'danger'.

Original meaning: The Italian term was often used in maritime contexts to describe the danger posed to ships by rocks or cliffs.

Indo-European (Romance branch via French/Italian).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'at-risk' populations, as it can be a sensitive sociological term.

Commonly used in idioms like 'no risk, no reward' to encourage ambition.

The board game 'Risk' The movie 'Risky Business' Financial 'Risk Management' certifications

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Finance

market risk
investment risk
risk appetite
diversify risk

Health

health risk
risk of infection
risk factor
at risk of disease

Sports

take a risk
risk injury
calculated risk
risky move

Insurance

cover the risk
assess the risk
risk pool
fire risk

Technology

security risk
data risk
risk of failure
mitigate risk

Conversation Starters

"What is the biggest risk you have ever taken in your life?"

"Do you think you are a risk-taker or a cautious person?"

"Is it better to take risks when you are young or when you are older?"

"What are the risks of using social media too much?"

"Would you ever take a risk for a lot of money?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you took a risk and it didn't work out. What did you learn?

Write about a risk you are currently considering. What are the pros and cons?

How does your culture view people who take big risks?

If you could take any risk without failing, what would it be?

Explain why some people enjoy taking risks like skydiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is both! As a noun, it means a danger. As a verb, it means to put something in danger. Example: 'The risk (noun) is high' vs 'Don't risk (verb) your life'.

'Risk' is the noun (the thing), and 'risky' is the adjective (describing the thing). Example: 'The risk is big' vs 'The job is risky'.

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'take a risk' or 'run a risk'.

Usually, yes. It implies a negative outcome. However, in business, taking a risk is often seen as necessary for success.

It means being in a situation where you are likely to be harmed or lose something. Example: 'The forest is at risk of fire'.

It is a risk that you have thought about carefully, weighing the good and bad before acting.

Use it before a noun or a verb ending in -ing. Example: 'risk of rain' or 'risk of falling'.

Yes, it is the plural form of risk. Example: 'There are many risks in skydiving'.

It is the professional practice of identifying and controlling risks in a business or project.

No, the correct phrase is 'at risk'.