리스크
A risk is the possibility that something bad or unpleasant might happen.
Explanation at your level:
A risk is a danger. If you do something, and it might be bad, that is a risk. You should be careful with risks. For example, playing with fire is a big risk. You do not want to get hurt, so you avoid risks that are too high.
When you take a risk, you do something where the result is not sure. Maybe you win, or maybe you lose. People often talk about 'taking a risk' when they try something new. It is important to think about the risk before you start.
A risk is the possibility that something unpleasant or harmful will happen. In life, we often have to balance risk and reward. For instance, starting a new business carries a financial risk, but it could also lead to success. Being aware of risks helps you make better decisions.
The term risk refers to the exposure to danger or loss. Whether in finance, health, or personal projects, 'risk management' is a key skill. People often speak of 'calculated risks,' which are risks taken after weighing the pros and cons. It is a fundamental concept in modern decision-making.
In advanced contexts, risk is often discussed in terms of probability and mitigation. We analyze 'risk factors' in medical studies or 'systemic risk' in global economics. Understanding the nuance between 'taking a risk' and 'being at risk' is essential for professional communication. It implies a sophisticated understanding of uncertainty and consequence.
Philosophically, risk represents the human encounter with contingency. It is the bridge between agency and fate. In literature and high-level discourse, the concept of risk is often linked to existential themes—the idea that to live fully is to constantly navigate the threshold of potential loss. Mastery of this word involves recognizing its shift from a simple noun of danger to a complex metric of modern existence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Risk is the possibility of loss or danger.
- It can be a noun or a verb.
- Commonly used with 'take' and 'assess'.
- It is essential in business and daily decision-making.
Hey there! When we talk about risk, we are talking about the possibility that things might not go exactly as planned. It is that little voice in your head asking, 'What if something goes wrong?'
You encounter risk in almost every part of life. Whether you are investing money, trying a new sport, or even just crossing a busy street, you are constantly calculating the potential danger versus the potential reward. It is not always a bad thing; sometimes, taking a risk is the only way to achieve something great!
The word risk has a fascinating journey. It likely comes from the early Italian word risicare, which means 'to dare.' Imagine early sailors venturing into unknown waters—they were quite literally 'daring' the sea!
It entered English via the French word risque in the 17th century. Originally, it was mostly used in nautical contexts to describe the danger of shipwrecks. Over time, it evolved into the general term for any situation where the outcome is uncertain, moving from the high seas into our banks, boardrooms, and daily conversations.
You will hear risk used in many ways. In a professional setting, we often talk about 'managing risk' or 'assessing risk' to make sure projects succeed. In casual conversation, we might say, 'It's not worth the risk' when deciding against doing something dangerous.
Common pairings include high risk, calculated risk, and financial risk. Notice how we use it as a noun, but it can also function as a verb, like when you 'risk everything' for a dream.
Idioms make language colorful! Here are a few:
- At your own risk: You are responsible for any harm that happens.
- Take a risk: To do something even though it might fail.
- Run a risk: To be in a situation where something bad could happen.
- Calculated risk: A risk taken after careful thought.
- Risk life and limb: To put yourself in great physical danger.
The word risk is a countable noun, so you can say 'a risk' or 'many risks.' It is pronounced /rɪsk/ in both British and American English, rhyming with 'brisk,' 'frisk,' and 'disk.'
When using it as a verb, it follows the pattern 'risk + -ing' (e.g., 'He risked losing his job'). It is a very straightforward word, but remember that the 'sk' ending needs a crisp, clear sound to be understood correctly.
Fun Fact
Originally a nautical term for the dangers of the sea.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'i' sound, crisp 'sk' ending.
Similar to UK, very clear 'r' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it like 'risk-uh'
- Weak 'sk' sound
- Confusing with 'wrist'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read.
Simple to use.
Common word.
Clear sound.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gerunds after verbs
Risk failing
Article usage
A risk vs the risk
Collocations
Take a risk
Examples by Level
It is a risk.
It is a danger.
Simple subject-verb-noun.
Do not take a risk.
Do not do dangerous things.
Imperative form.
Is it a risk?
Is it dangerous?
Interrogative.
I see the risk.
I see the danger.
Basic verb usage.
The risk is high.
The danger is big.
Adjective usage.
Avoid the risk.
Stay away from danger.
Verb usage.
He took a risk.
He tried something hard.
Past tense.
What is the risk?
What is the danger?
Wh- question.
The risk of falling is high.
He took a big risk yesterday.
There is no risk here.
We need to lower the risk.
Is there any risk involved?
She understands the risk.
That was a risky move.
Don't take unnecessary risks.
The investment carries a high level of risk.
We must assess the risks before starting.
He is willing to take the risk.
The project is at risk of failure.
They are trying to minimize the risk.
What are the risks of this surgery?
It is a calculated risk.
She faced the risk with courage.
The company is facing significant financial risk.
We need to mitigate the risks associated with this plan.
He took a calculated risk by changing careers.
The entire system is at risk of collapse.
There is an inherent risk in extreme sports.
She weighed the risks against the potential benefits.
The policy aims to reduce risk for consumers.
Ignoring the warning signs increases the risk.
The systemic risk to the banking sector is profound.
He calculated the risk-to-reward ratio carefully.
The environmental risks are often underestimated.
She navigated the risks of the negotiation with skill.
We must account for the risk of human error.
The strategy is designed to hedge against market risk.
His decision was a calculated risk that paid off.
They are assessing the long-term risk of climate change.
The existential risk posed by artificial intelligence remains a topic of debate.
She accepted the risk of failure as a prerequisite for innovation.
The architecture was designed to buffer against the risk of seismic activity.
He viewed the venture not as a gamble, but as a calculated risk.
The risk of contagion spread rapidly through the markets.
They are mitigating the risk of data breaches through encryption.
The inherent risk of the procedure was explained in detail.
One must distinguish between perceived risk and actual danger.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"at your own risk"
You are responsible for any harm.
Enter at your own risk.
neutral"risk life and limb"
To risk death or injury.
He risked life and limb to save the cat.
idiomatic"take a gamble"
To take a risk.
I'll take a gamble on this new product.
casual"play it safe"
To avoid risk.
I prefer to play it safe.
neutral"on the line"
At risk of being lost.
My job is on the line.
casual"out on a limb"
In a risky position.
He went out on a limb for me.
casualEasily Confused
Adjective vs Noun
Risky describes things; risk is the thing itself.
It is a risky plan (adj) / It is a risk (noun).
Similar sound
Wrist is a body part.
He hurt his wrist.
Similar meaning
Gamble implies luck; risk implies calculation.
He gambled his money.
Synonym
Danger is more general; risk is often about probability.
He is in danger.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + take + a + risk
I took a risk.
Subject + be + at + risk
They are at risk.
Subject + risk + -ing
He risked losing it.
Subject + mitigate + the + risk
We mitigated the risk.
Subject + assess + the + risk
They assessed the risk.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
The verb is 'risk', not 'risky'.
Collocation is 'take', not 'make'.
Use gerund after 'of'.
Usually used without 'the' in general contexts.
Correct, but don't confuse with 'risk behavior'.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a 'Risk' board game piece on a cliff.
Native Speakers
They often say 'It's not worth the risk'.
Cultural Insight
Risk is often celebrated in entrepreneurship.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'at risk' not 'in risk'.
Say It Right
Keep the 'sk' sharp.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'riskying'.
Did You Know?
It comes from Italian 'risicare'.
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence about your own life.
Business Context
Use 'mitigate' with risk.
Verb Pattern
Risk + gerund (-ing).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Risk: Remember It's So Kinda-dangerous.
Visual Association
A person walking on a tightrope.
Word Web
Challenge
List 3 risks you took this year.
Word Origin
Italian
Original meaning: To dare
Cultural Context
None, but can be stressful in medical/financial contexts.
Commonly used in business and insurance industries.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business
- Risk assessment
- Mitigate risk
- Risk management
Health
- Risk factor
- Health risk
- At risk
Daily life
- Take a risk
- Worth the risk
- High risk
Finance
- Financial risk
- Risk-free
- Market risk
Conversation Starters
"What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?"
"Do you prefer to play it safe or take risks?"
"What are some risks of modern technology?"
"Is it better to take a risk or be cautious?"
"How do you handle risk in your daily life?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you took a risk.
What does 'calculated risk' mean to you?
Describe a situation where you avoided a risk.
Why do people take risks?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, sometimes it is necessary for progress.
/rɪsk/.
Risky.
Yes, 'I risk everything'.
A risk taken after thinking carefully.
It is neutral and used everywhere.
Risks.
Yes.
Test Yourself
That is a big ___.
Risk fits the context of danger.
What does 'risky' mean?
Risky means full of risk.
Is 'risk' a countable noun?
Yes, we can say 'risks'.
Word
Meaning
These are common collocations.
Subject + verb + article + noun.
He is ___ risk of losing his job.
The phrase is 'at risk'.
Which is an antonym of risk?
Safety is the opposite of danger/risk.
Can 'risk' be a verb?
Yes, 'to risk something'.
Word
Meaning
Common compound phrases.
Subject + modal + verb + object.
Score: /10
Summary
Risk is the chance of something going wrong, but it is often necessary for growth.
- Risk is the possibility of loss or danger.
- It can be a noun or a verb.
- Commonly used with 'take' and 'assess'.
- It is essential in business and daily decision-making.
Memory Palace
Imagine a 'Risk' board game piece on a cliff.
Native Speakers
They often say 'It's not worth the risk'.
Cultural Insight
Risk is often celebrated in entrepreneurship.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'at risk' not 'in risk'.
Example
새로운 사업에는 항상 리스크가 따른다.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More business words
에 대한
A2Concerning or relating to; about, regarding.
~대하여
A2About, concerning, regarding.
대해서
A2Concerning or with regard to; about, regarding.
에 대해
A2About; regarding.
풍요롭다
A2To be abundant, prosperous, or rich.
관철하다
B2To carry through, achieve, or persist in one's will or goal until it is accomplished, despite difficulties.
~에 따라
B1According to, depending on; as stated by or determined by.
에 따라
A2According to; in accordance with.
에 의하면
B1According to; as stated by or reported by.
회계사
A2Accountant; a person whose job is to keep financial accounts.
