risky

adjective

ˈri-skē 

riskier; riskiest

: involving the possibility of risk or danger : hazardous

riskiness noun

Synonyms of risky

• dangerous
• hazardous
• perilous
• serious

Choose the Right Synonym for risky

dangerous, hazardous, precarious, perilous, risky mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury.

dangerous applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully.

soldiers on a dangerous mission

hazardous implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure.

claims that smoking is hazardous to your health

precarious suggests both insecurity and uncertainty.

earned a precarious living by gambling

perilous strongly implies the immediacy of danger.

perilous mountain roads

risky often applies to a known and accepted danger.

shied away from risky investments

Examples of risky in a Sentence

Her plan is too risky.

Recent Examples on the Web

His incredulity about their increasingly risky adventures—this is the one that involves a Pontiac Fiero in outer space—becomes one of the film’s running gags. —Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 29 Apr. 2026

All of this alarms public health officials, who have long warned that unpasteurized milk can harbor risky germs. —Laura Ungar, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Pakistan has become one of the most consequential players in the Iran war, taking on a risky mediation role that draws on its ties with Tehran while keeping its financial lifeline with the Gulf intact. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Scott Olson | Getty Images Perpetual futures are one of the biggest —and riskiest — corners of crypto trading. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing risky

• risky business
• risky move

Rhymes for risky

• frisky
• whiskey
• whisky

Kids Definition

risky

adjective

ˈris-kē 

riskier; riskiest

: having or bringing risk : dangerous