This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #35 most common 11 min read

risky

Top 35

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips risky in 30 Seconds

Explanation risky in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'risky' as a word that means 'not safe' or 'dangerous'. It is used for simple things that might cause a problem. For example, if you see a child playing with a sharp knife, you might say, 'That is risky!' It is a way to say that something bad might happen. You use it to talk about basic actions like crossing a busy street without looking or eating food that smells bad. It is an important word to know so you can understand when someone is warning you about a problem. At this level, just remember that 'risky' means there is a chance of something going wrong. You can use it in short sentences like 'It is risky' or 'That is risky.' It helps you talk about safety in a very simple way.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'risky' to describe specific activities and choices. You understand that 'risky' is an adjective. You can use it to talk about hobbies, travel, or simple money matters. For example, you might say, 'It is risky to travel without a passport' or 'Buying a very cheap car is risky.' You are moving beyond just 'danger' and starting to think about 'uncertainty.' You can also use the word to give advice to friends. If a friend wants to do something that might be a bad idea, you can say, 'I think that is a risky plan.' You can also use 'very' or 'a bit' to show how much risk there is, like 'It is a bit risky to walk home late.' This level is about using the word in common, everyday situations to express caution.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'risky' in a variety of contexts, including work, health, and personal life. You understand that 'risky' describes a situation where there is a high possibility of failure or loss, not just physical danger. You can use it to discuss financial investments, career moves, or social situations. For example, 'Starting a new business in this economy is risky.' You also know the comparative and superlative forms: 'riskier' and 'riskiest.' You can compare two options, like 'Taking the bus is safe, but riding a motorcycle is riskier.' You are also beginning to recognize common collocations like 'risky business' or 'risky behavior.' At this level, 'risky' is a key word for expressing opinions and making evaluations about the world around you.

At the B2 level, you use 'risky' with more precision and nuance. You can distinguish between 'risky' and its synonyms like 'hazardous' or 'precarious.' You understand that 'risky' often implies a calculated gamble where someone is weighing the pros and cons. You might use it in a professional setting to analyze a project: 'The proposed strategy is risky because it relies on a single supplier.' You are also comfortable using it with a wider range of adverbs, such as 'potentially risky,' 'highly risky,' or 'inherently risky.' You can discuss the concept of 'risk' in more abstract terms and use 'risky' to describe complex social or political situations. Your use of the word shows that you can evaluate the probability of different outcomes and communicate those probabilities clearly to others.

At the C1 level, you use 'risky' in sophisticated ways, often in academic or professional writing. You understand the subtle connotations of the word and how it differs from more formal terms like 'perilous' or 'fraught with risk.' You can use 'risky' to describe complex systems, philosophical ideas, or intricate financial models. For example, you might write, 'The central bank's decision to lower interest rates is a risky attempt to stimulate growth without triggering inflation.' You are also aware of the idiomatic uses of the word and can use it to add color and emphasis to your speech and writing. You can analyze the 'risky' nature of long-term trends and provide detailed justifications for your assessments. Your command of the word allows you to navigate high-level discussions about strategy, ethics, and probability with ease.

At the C2 level, your use of 'risky' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with perfect precision, choosing it over synonyms only when it is the most appropriate term for the specific nuance you wish to convey. You can use 'risky' in highly specialized contexts, such as legal arguments, scientific papers, or literary criticism. You might use it to describe the 'risky' nature of a groundbreaking artistic technique or a radical new scientific theory. You are also able to use the word ironically or metaphorically to create a specific effect. Your understanding of 'risky' includes its historical development and its role in various cultural discourses. You can effortlessly integrate the word into complex, multi-clause sentences that explore the deepest levels of uncertainty and danger in human experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

risky in 30 Seconds

Risky describes actions or situations with a high chance of a negative outcome, failure, or danger.
It is commonly used in financial, physical, and social contexts to warn of potential hazards.
The word implies uncertainty; there is a possibility of success, but the threat of loss is significant.
Grammatically, it is an adjective that can modify nouns or follow linking verbs like 'is' or 'seems'.

The word risky is a fundamental adjective used to describe any action, decision, or situation that carries a significant chance of a negative outcome. When we say something is risky, we are acknowledging that while there might be a reward, the possibility of failure, danger, or loss is high enough to warrant caution. It is a word that bridges the gap between simple daily choices and complex professional assessments. In everyday conversation, people use 'risky' to talk about everything from trying a new restaurant that has bad reviews to making a major life change like quitting a job without a backup plan. The core of the word lies in the concept of uncertainty; if the result was guaranteed to be bad, we would call it 'dangerous' or 'foolish,' but because there is a chance of success mixed with a threat of failure, we use 'risky.'

Financial Context: In the world of finance and investment, 'risky' describes assets or strategies where the capital could be lost. High-risk investments often promise high returns, but the probability of the market moving against the investor is substantial. For example, investing all your savings into a single startup is considered a risky move because startups have a high failure rate.

Investing in cryptocurrency is often seen as risky because the prices can change so quickly and unpredictably.

Physical Safety: When discussing physical activities, 'risky' refers to behaviors that might lead to injury. Driving a car at high speeds in the rain is risky because the lack of traction increases the chance of an accident. It implies that the person taking the action is aware of the danger but chooses to proceed anyway.

It is risky to go hiking without a map or a fully charged phone in an unfamiliar forest.

Social and Professional Context: Socially, a 'risky' comment is one that might offend someone or damage a relationship. Professionally, a 'risky' strategy might be one that deviates from the company's traditional methods, potentially leading to a breakthrough or a public relations disaster. The word is versatile because it applies to any domain where the stakes are high.

Telling your boss exactly what you think of their new plan can be a risky career move.

The surgeon explained that the operation was risky, but it was the only way to save the patient's life.

Ultimately, 'risky' is about the balance of probability. It is not a word of certainty, but of warning. It forces us to evaluate whether the potential reward is worth the potential cost. Whether you are talking about a 'risky business' or a 'risky maneuver' on the road, you are highlighting the presence of danger and the need for careful consideration. It is one of the most common words used in risk management, psychology, and daily decision-making because it perfectly captures the human experience of navigating an unpredictable world where every choice has a consequence.

Using 'risky' correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an adjective and its semantic nuances. It typically modifies nouns or follows linking verbs like 'is', 'seems', or 'becomes'. Because it describes a quality of an action or situation, it is often paired with gerunds (verbs ending in -ing) or infinitives. For example, 'It is risky to swim here' or 'Swimming here is risky.' The word can be intensified with adverbs like 'extremely', 'highly', 'very', or 'somewhat' to indicate the level of danger involved.

Attributive Use: When 'risky' comes before a noun, it directly characterizes that noun. 'A risky venture,' 'a risky investment,' or 'a risky operation.' This structure is very common in formal writing and business reports where specific hazards are being identified.

The company decided against the risky expansion into the overseas market due to political instability.

Predicative Use: When 'risky' follows a verb, it describes the subject of the sentence. 'The plan is risky.' This is the most common way to express an opinion about the safety or viability of an idea during a conversation.

Many experts believe that relying solely on solar power in this region is risky because of the frequent cloud cover.

Comparative and Superlative: The comparative form is 'riskier' and the superlative is 'riskiest'. These are used to compare two or more things. 'Skydiving is riskier than driving,' or 'This is the riskiest decision I have ever made.'

Of all the options available, taking the shortcut through the mountains was the riskiest path.

Is it risky to leave my laptop in the car while I go into the store?

In summary, 'risky' is a flexible adjective that can be used in various sentence structures to warn, evaluate, or compare. Whether you are using it to describe a physical danger or a financial gamble, its placement in the sentence helps to clarify exactly what is being threatened and why caution is necessary. By mastering the use of 'risky,' 'riskier,' and 'riskiest,' you can precisely communicate the level of danger in any given scenario.

The word 'risky' is ubiquitous across many sectors of society, from the high-stakes environment of Wall Street to the everyday conversations of parents and children. Its prevalence stems from the universal nature of risk-taking in human life. You will hear it in news reports, business meetings, medical consultations, and casual social gatherings. Each context brings a slightly different flavor to the word, but the underlying theme of potential loss remains constant.

In Business and Finance: In the corporate world, 'risky' is a technical term. Financial analysts use it to describe market volatility. You might hear a CEO say, 'This is a risky move, but the potential market share gain is worth it.' In this context, 'risky' is often quantified using data and statistics, contrasting with its more emotional use in daily life.

The board of directors felt that the merger was too risky given the current economic climate.

In Medicine and Science: Doctors use 'risky' to discuss treatments or surgeries. A 'risky procedure' is one where the chance of complications is high. Scientists might describe a 'risky hypothesis' as one that goes against established theories and could easily be proven wrong, but would be revolutionary if proven right.

The doctor warned that the new medication was risky for patients with heart conditions.

In Daily Life and Parenting: Parents frequently use 'risky' to caution their children. 'It's risky to play near the road' or 'Don't do that, it's risky.' In this context, it's a synonym for 'unsafe' but often implies that the child is making a choice to engage in the behavior.

Walking home alone at night in this neighborhood is considered risky by the local residents.

The quarterback took a risky shot down the field, but it paid off with a touchdown.

Whether you are reading a financial newspaper, watching a medical drama, or talking to a friend about their new business idea, 'risky' is a word you will encounter frequently. It is a vital part of the vocabulary of decision-making, helping us to categorize and communicate the dangers inherent in the choices we make every day. Its widespread use reflects our constant need to evaluate the world around us and the potential consequences of our actions.

While 'risky' is a common word, learners often make specific errors in its usage, particularly regarding word forms and collocations. Understanding these pitfalls can help you sound more natural and precise in your English communication. The most frequent mistakes involve confusing 'risky' with the noun 'risk' or the adjective 'dangerous,' as well as using incorrect prepositions or sentence structures.

Confusing 'Risky' with 'Risk': The most common error is using the noun 'risk' where the adjective 'risky' is required. For example, saying 'It is a risk situation' instead of 'It is a risky situation.' Remember that 'risky' describes the nature of the situation, while 'risk' is the danger itself.

Incorrect: That was a risk move.
Correct: That was a risky move.

Risky vs. Dangerous: While they are similar, 'dangerous' usually implies a direct threat of physical harm, whereas 'risky' often implies a gamble or a chance of failure. You might say 'it's dangerous to touch a live wire' (certain harm) but 'it's risky to start a business' (uncertain outcome).

Incorrect: It is risky to jump off a ten-story building.
Correct: It is dangerous (or suicidal) to jump off a ten-story building.

Incorrect Prepositions: Learners sometimes use the wrong preposition after 'risky'. The correct preposition to use when describing who is at risk is 'for'. For example, 'This plan is risky for the company,' not 'risky to the company' or 'risky with the company.'

Incorrect: The new policy is risky to the employees.
Correct: The new policy is risky for the employees.

Incorrect: My brother is very risky.
Correct: My brother is a real risk-taker.

By paying attention to these common errors, you can use 'risky' with greater confidence and accuracy. Remember that 'risky' is an adjective that describes the uncertainty and potential danger of an action or situation, not the person performing it or the danger itself. Avoid confusing it with 'risk' or 'dangerous,' and always use the preposition 'for' when indicating who might be affected by the risk.

To truly master the concept of 'risky,' it is helpful to explore its synonyms and related terms. While 'risky' is a great all-purpose word, English offers many alternatives that can provide more specific nuances depending on the context. Whether you want to emphasize physical danger, financial uncertainty, or the fragility of a situation, there is a word that fits better than just 'risky.'

Hazardous: This word is often used for physical dangers, especially those involving health or safety. You will see 'hazardous materials' or 'hazardous conditions' on warning signs. It sounds more formal and serious than 'risky.'

The chemical spill created hazardous conditions for the local wildlife.

Perilous: 'Perilous' is a more literary or dramatic word. It suggests extreme danger and a high likelihood of a disastrous outcome. It is often used in storytelling or when describing life-threatening situations like a 'perilous journey' across a stormy sea.

The mountain climbers faced a perilous ascent during the blizzard.

Precarious: This word describes a situation that is unstable and likely to get worse. It often refers to a position or a state of being. A 'precarious balance' or a 'precarious financial situation' implies that even a small change could lead to a fall or failure.

The vase was placed in a precarious position on the edge of the table.

The weather looks a bit dicey, so we might have to cancel the picnic.

Choosing the right synonym for 'risky' depends on the level of danger and the formality of the situation. While 'risky' is almost always appropriate, using words like 'hazardous,' 'perilous,' or 'precarious' can make your English more descriptive and precise. By understanding the subtle differences between these terms, you can better communicate the exact nature of the risks you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'risk' and its adjective 'risky' were originally maritime terms. Sailors used them to describe the danger of sailing near rocky coasts. Today, we use it for everything from stock markets to dating!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈrɪs.ki/

US /ˈrɪs.ki/

The stress is on the first syllable: RIS-ky.

Rhymes With

Whisky Frisky Disky Brisky Pesky History (near rhyme) Mystery (near rhyme) Victory (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'i' as a long 'eye' sound (like 'rye-sky').
Making the 's' sound like a 'z' (like 'riz-ky').
Forgetting the 'k' sound entirely.
Putting the stress on the second syllable (like 'ris-KY').
Pronouncing the final 'y' too short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in many types of texts, from news to fiction.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of collocations and the difference between 'risk' and 'risky'.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily conversation.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to identify in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Safe Danger Bad Chance Money

Learn Next

Hazardous Precarious Uncertainty Probability Vulnerability

Advanced

Perilous Fraught Speculative Volatility Jeopardy

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -y

Risky, Happy, Sunny (Comparative: Riskier, Superlative: Riskiest)

It is + adjective + to-infinitive

It is risky to swim here.

Gerund as subject

Taking risks is part of life.

Adjective + for + object

The plan is risky for us.

Adverbs of degree

Extremely risky, somewhat risky.

Examples by Level

It is risky to play with fire.

Es riesgoso jugar con fuego.

Simple 'It is + adjective' structure.

That is a risky game.

Ese es un juego riesgoso.

Adjective before a noun.

Is it risky?

¿Es riesgoso?

Question form of 'to be'.

Don't go there, it's risky.

No vayas allí, es riesgoso.

Imperative followed by a reason.

Running on ice is risky.

Correr sobre el hielo es riesgoso.

Gerund as a subject.

This food looks risky.

Esta comida parece riesgosa.

Linking verb 'looks'.

It is not risky.

No es riesgoso.

Negative form.

That was a risky jump.

Ese fue un salto riesgoso.

Past tense 'was'.

It is risky to drive very fast.

Es riesgoso conducir muy rápido.

It is + adjective + to-infinitive.

Buying a used phone can be risky.

Comprar un teléfono usado puede ser riesgoso.

Modal verb 'can' expressing possibility.

Is it risky to travel alone?

¿Es riesgoso viajar solo?

Question with to-infinitive.

I think your plan is a bit risky.

Creo que tu plan es un poco riesgoso.

Using 'a bit' as a mitigator.

It is risky for children to swim here.

Es riesgoso que los niños naden aquí.

Adjective + for + noun.

That was the riskiest thing I did.

Eso fue lo más riesgoso que hice.

Superlative form 'riskiest'.

Swimming in the ocean is riskier than in a pool.

Nadar en el océano es más riesgoso que en una piscina.

Comparative form 'riskier'.

She doesn't like risky activities.

A ella no le gustan las actividades riesgosas.

Adjective modifying a plural noun.

Investing all your money in one stock is very risky.

Invertir todo tu dinero en una sola acción es muy riesgoso.

Gerund phrase as subject.

The doctor said the surgery is risky but necessary.

El médico dijo que la cirugía es riesgosa pero necesaria.

Contrast using 'but'.

It's a risky business to start a restaurant.

Es un negocio riesgoso abrir un restaurante.

Common collocation 'risky business'.

He took a risky decision to quit his job.

Tomó la riesgosa decisión de dejar su trabajo.

Adjective modifying 'decision'.

Is it risky to use public Wi-Fi for banking?

¿Es riesgoso usar Wi-Fi público para transacciones bancarias?

Question about a common modern risk.

The climb became riskier as the weather worsened.

La escalada se volvió más riesgosa a medida que el clima empeoraba.

Comparative with 'became' and 'as'.

They avoided risky behaviors to stay healthy.

Evitaron comportamientos riesgosos para mantenerse saludables.

Plural noun 'behaviors'.

This is a risky move for the company's reputation.

Este es un movimiento riesgoso para la reputación de la empresa.

Preposition 'for' indicating what is at risk.

The company's expansion into the new market was deemed too risky.

La expansión de la empresa en el nuevo mercado fue considerada demasiado riesgosa.

Passive voice 'was deemed'.

Relying on a single source of income is inherently risky.

Depender de una sola fuente de ingresos es intrínsecamente riesgoso.

Adverb 'inherently' modifying 'risky'.

The scientists warned of the risky nature of the experiment.

Los científicos advirtieron sobre la naturaleza riesgosa del experimento.

Noun phrase 'risky nature'.

It was a risky strategy that ultimately paid off.

Fue una estrategia riesgosa que finalmente dio sus frutos.

Relative clause 'that ultimately paid off'.

The project is risky, given the lack of clear regulations.

El proyecto es riesgoso, dada la falta de regulaciones claras.

Using 'given' to provide context.

Many consider extreme sports to be unnecessarily risky.

Muchos consideran que los deportes extremos son innecesariamente riesgosos.

Consider + object + to be + adjective.

The situation is far riskier than it appears on the surface.

La situación es mucho más riesgosa de lo que parece a simple vista.

Comparative with 'far' and 'than'.

The bank refused the loan, calling the venture too risky.

El banco rechazó el préstamo, calificando el proyecto de demasiado riesgoso.

Participle phrase 'calling the venture too risky'.

The geopolitical climate makes any long-term investment highly risky.

El clima geopolítico hace que cualquier inversión a largo plazo sea altamente riesgosa.

Make + object + adjective.

The author takes a risky approach by blending multiple genres.

El autor adopta un enfoque riesgoso al mezclar múltiples géneros.

Adjective modifying 'approach'.

It is a risky proposition to change the constitution at this time.

Es una propuesta riesgosa cambiar la constitución en este momento.

Noun 'proposition'.

The surgeon meticulously explained the risky aspects of the procedure.

El cirujano explicó meticulosamente los aspectos riesgosos del procedimiento.

Adjective modifying 'aspects'.

Such a risky move could jeopardize the entire operation.

Tal movimiento riesgoso podría poner en peligro toda la operación.

Modal 'could' and verb 'jeopardize'.

The company's reliance on debt is a risky gamble for its future.

La dependencia de la empresa de la deuda es una apuesta riesgosa para su futuro.

Noun 'gamble'.

Critics argued that the film's ending was a risky artistic choice.

Los críticos argumentaron que el final de la película fue una elección artística riesgosa.

Noun phrase 'artistic choice'.

The transition to a new software system is inherently risky for any large firm.

La transición a un nuevo sistema de software es intrínsecamente riesgosa para cualquier gran empresa.

Adverb 'inherently'.

The central bank's intervention was a risky gambit to stave off recession.

La intervención del banco central fue un gambito riesgoso para evitar la recesión.

Noun 'gambit' (chess metaphor).

The protagonist's risky descent into madness is portrayed with haunting realism.

El riesgoso descenso del protagonista a la locura se retrata con un realismo inquietante.

Metaphorical use of 'descent'.

Underlying the policy is a risky assumption about consumer behavior.

Detrás de la política hay una suposición riesgosa sobre el comportamiento del consumidor.

Inverted sentence structure.

The diplomat navigated the risky waters of international negotiations with finesse.

El diplomático navegó por las riesgosas aguas de las negociaciones internacionales con delicadeza.

Metaphorical 'risky waters'.

The decision to bypass the board was a risky play for total control.

La decisión de saltarse la junta fue una jugada riesgosa para obtener el control total.

Noun 'play' in a power context.

The theory remains risky, as it lacks empirical verification from independent studies.

La teoría sigue siendo riesgosa, ya que carece de verificación empírica de estudios independientes.

Linking verb 'remains'.

His risky flirtation with radical ideas eventually led to his downfall.

Su riesgoso coqueteo con ideas radicales finalmente lo llevó a su ruina.

Metaphorical 'flirtation'.

The architect's risky use of unconventional materials challenged traditional aesthetics.

El riesgoso uso de materiales poco convencionales por parte del arquitecto desafió la estética tradicional.

Possessive 'architect's' and noun 'use'.

Common Collocations

Risky business

Risky investment

Risky behavior

Risky strategy

Risky move

Highly risky

Potentially risky

Inherent risky

Risky venture

Risky situation

Common Phrases

Take a risky path

— To choose a course of action that is full of danger or uncertainty.

He decided to take a risky path by investing in the new technology.

A risky proposition

— A suggestion or plan that is likely to fail or cause problems.

Changing the entire system in one day is a risky proposition.

Risky undertaking

— A task or project that is dangerous or uncertain.

Climbing Mount Everest is a risky undertaking for anyone.

Risky gamble

— An action that is very uncertain and could lead to a big loss.

The merger was a risky gamble that the company's board was willing to take.

Risky maneuver

— A movement or action that requires great skill to avoid danger.

The pilot performed a risky maneuver to avoid the storm.

Risky proposition

— A plan or idea that has a high chance of failure.

Moving to a new country without a job is a risky proposition.

Risky business

— An activity that is dangerous or uncertain (often used idiomatically).

Politics can be a risky business if you're not careful.

Risky endeavor

— A serious attempt to do something that is dangerous.

The space mission was a risky endeavor for the astronauts.

Risky move

— A specific action that carries a lot of risk.

It was a risky move to challenge the CEO's decision.

Risky situation

— A set of circumstances that are dangerous.

The soldiers were in a very risky situation behind enemy lines.

Often Confused With

risky vs Risk

'Risk' is a noun or verb; 'risky' is an adjective. You have a risk, but a situation is risky.

risky vs Dangerous

'Dangerous' implies certain harm; 'risky' implies a chance of harm or failure.

risky vs Sketchy

'Sketchy' is slang for something that seems dishonest or unsafe; 'risky' is more general.

Idioms & Expressions

"Risky business"

— An activity that is dangerous or uncertain. It's also the title of a famous 1983 movie.

Investing in the stock market can be risky business.

Neutral

"Play a risky game"

— To engage in a dangerous or uncertain activity, often involving social or political stakes.

By lying to his boss, he is playing a very risky game.

Neutral

"On risky ground"

— In a situation where you are likely to fail or be criticized.

The politician is on risky ground with his latest comments about taxes.

Neutral

"A risky bet"

— Something that is very likely to fail, or an action that is a big gamble.

Betting on that horse was a risky bet, but it paid off.

Informal

"Walk a risky line"

— To be in a situation where you must be very careful to avoid a mistake or danger.

The journalist is walking a risky line by reporting on the secret government project.

Neutral

"Risky waters"

— A dangerous or uncertain situation, often used metaphorically.

The company is entering risky waters with its new expansion plan.

Neutral

"Take a risky plunge"

— To suddenly start doing something that is dangerous or uncertain.

She took a risky plunge and moved to New York with no money.

Informal

"A risky proposition"

— A plan or idea that is very likely to fail.

Starting a business with your best friend can be a risky proposition.

Neutral

"Risky business"

— Used to describe any situation that is full of potential problems.

Dealing with that client is always risky business.

Neutral

"Risky move"

— An action that could easily lead to failure.

It was a risky move to sell the house before buying a new one.

Neutral

Easily Confused

risky vs Risk

Both relate to danger.

'Risk' is the thing that might happen (noun) or the act of doing it (verb). 'Risky' is the description of the action.

He took a risk (noun). The move was risky (adjective).

risky vs Dangerous

Both mean not safe.

'Dangerous' is for things that will definitely hurt you. 'Risky' is for things that might go wrong.

Touching fire is dangerous. Starting a business is risky.

risky vs Hazardous

Both mean unsafe.

'Hazardous' is more formal and usually refers to health or environmental safety.

Hazardous waste must be handled carefully. It's risky to invest in that company.

risky vs Precarious

Both mean unstable.

'Precarious' specifically refers to something that is likely to fall or fail because it is not well-supported.

The ladder was in a precarious position. The plan was risky.

risky vs Dicey

Both mean uncertain.

'Dicey' is informal and often implies that something is unpredictable and a bit dangerous.

The weather is looking a bit dicey for our hike.

Sentence Patterns

It is risky.

It is risky to [verb].

It is risky to run.

[Gerund] is risky.

Investing is risky.

A risky [noun].

A risky move.

[Noun] is riskier than [noun].

Driving is riskier than walking.

It is risky for [someone].

It is risky for children.

Inherently/Potentially risky.

The plan is inherently risky.

A risky [abstract noun].

A risky proposition.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

It is a risk situation. → It is a risky situation.
You must use the adjective 'risky' to describe the noun 'situation'.
He is a very risky person. → He is a real risk-taker.
'Risky' describes actions, not people's personalities.
It is risky to the company. → It is risky for the company.
The correct preposition to use with 'risky' when indicating who is affected is 'for'.
This is more risky than that. → This is riskier than that.
For two-syllable adjectives ending in -y, the comparative is usually formed by changing -y to -ier.
It is risky to touching the fire. → It is risky to touch the fire.
After 'to', use the base form of the verb (infinitive).

Tips

Adjective vs Noun

Always remember that 'risky' is an adjective. Use it to describe things. Use 'risk' when you need a noun. 'It's a risky move' vs 'It's a big risk'.

Use Synonyms

Try using 'hazardous' for physical safety and 'precarious' for unstable situations to make your English sound more advanced.

Tone Matters

When you say something is 'risky', your tone of voice can show how worried you are. A serious tone means high danger.

Collocations

Learn common pairs like 'risky business' and 'risky investment'. These will make your writing sound more natural.

Warning Sign

Use 'risky' as a red flag to warn others. It's a very effective word for giving advice.

Mnemonic

Associate 'risky' with the game 'Risk'. If you play 'risky', you might lose the game!

Context

Be aware that what is 'risky' in one culture might be 'normal' in another. Always consider your audience.

Comparatives

Don't forget the forms: risky, riskier, riskiest. They are essential for comparing different levels of danger.

Key Word

In news reports about the economy, 'risky' is a key word to listen for. it often signals bad news.

Calculated Risk

In business, we often talk about a 'calculated risk'. This means a risky move that has been carefully thought about.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'RISK' board game. If you make a 'RISKY' move, you might lose all your territories!

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking on a tightrope high above the ground. That is a very 'risky' situation.

Word Web

Danger Uncertainty Gamble Chance Hazard Investment Safety Warning

Challenge

Try to use the word 'risky' in three different sentences today: one about money, one about a physical activity, and one about a social situation.

Word Origin

The word 'risky' comes from the noun 'risk', which entered English in the 17th century. It originated from the French word 'risque' and the Italian 'rischio'. The Italian word is thought to come from the Vulgar Latin 'resicum', which referred to a cliff or rock that was dangerous to sailors.

Original meaning: The original meaning was related to the dangers faced by ships at sea, specifically the risk of hitting a hidden rock or cliff.

Indo-European (via Latin, Italian, and French).

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone's cultural practices 'risky', as it can sound judgmental or ethnocentric.

In the US and UK, 'risky' is often used in business contexts to describe innovation. 'Taking a risky bet' can sometimes be a positive thing if it leads to success.

The movie 'Risky Business' (1983) starring Tom Cruise. The concept of 'Risky Play' in child development, which suggests children need some risk to learn. The 'Risky Shift' phenomenon in social psychology, where groups make riskier decisions than individuals.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Financial Investing

Risky investment
High-risk portfolio
Risk-return tradeoff
Market volatility

Physical Safety

Risky behavior
Dangerous conditions
Safety precautions
Take a risk

Business Strategy

Risky move
Strategic risk
Calculated risk
Competitive advantage

Medical Procedures

Risky surgery
Potential complications
Informed consent
Side effects

Daily Decision Making

Risky choice
Think twice
Better safe than sorry
Weigh the options

Conversation Starters

"What is the most risky thing you have ever done in your life?"

"Do you think investing in cryptocurrency is too risky for the average person?"

"Is it risky to move to a new country without knowing the language?"

"What kind of risky behaviors do you think are most common among teenagers?"

"Do you consider yourself a risk-taker or are you more risk-averse?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you took a risky decision. What happened? Was it worth it?

Write about a situation that you think is risky but others might find safe.

How do you evaluate whether a situation is too risky to proceed?

Discuss the role of 'risky' actions in achieving great success. Can you be successful without taking risks?

Write a story about a character who has to make a very risky choice to save someone they love.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, yes, because it highlights potential danger or failure. However, in business, taking 'risky' moves can sometimes be seen as positive if they lead to innovation. It depends on whether the risk is 'calculated' or 'reckless'.

'Risky' is the basic adjective. 'Riskier' is the comparative form used to compare two things. For example, 'Skydiving is risky, but base jumping is riskier.'

It's better to say 'a risk-taker' or 'a reckless person'. 'Risky' is usually used to describe actions, situations, or decisions, not a person's character.

Yes, 'risky' is perfectly acceptable in business. However, you might also use 'high-risk' or 'volatile' for more technical precision.

You use 'too risky' to say that the level of danger is not acceptable. 'The investment is too risky for me.'

Common things include investments, surgeries, sports, driving fast, and making big life changes like quitting a job.

Yes! You can say a joke is 'risky' if it might offend people, or a comment is 'risky' if it might hurt someone's feelings.

The most common opposite is 'safe'. Other opposites include 'secure', 'certain', and 'reliable'.

They are similar, but 'dangerous' is usually more serious and certain. 'Risky' implies a gamble or uncertainty.

It comes from the French and Italian words for 'risk', which originally referred to the danger of ships hitting rocks at sea.