risk
/rɪsk
/noun
1A situation involving exposure to danger: flouting the law was too much of a risk [mass noun]: all outdoor activities carry an element of risk...
- He was closest to the situation, knew the risks, knew what they could gain from such a crime, and knew what they stood to lose if they were discovered, which was very little.
- Young farm children need to be limited in their exposure to risks; older youths must be trained and closely supervised.
- They are well aware of their threat exposure and understand the risks associated with the systems in use.
1.1 [in singular] The possibility that something unpleasant or unwelcome will happen: reduce the risk of heart disease...
- Diabetes is also a huge risk factor for heart disease.
- Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
- Folic acid helps prevent birth defects and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Synonyms
chance, uncertainty, unpredictability, precariousness, instability, insecurity, perilousness, riskiness, gamble, venture
1.2 [with modifier] A person or thing regarded as a threat or likely source of danger: she’s a security risk gloss paint can burn strongly and pose a fire risk...
- Fewer than one in three women received a health and safety risk assessment.
- And those animals had too few worms to pose a public health risk, he says.
- At the time the group concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that mobile phone technologies posed a health risk.
1.3 (usually risks) A possibility of harm or damage against which something is insured: all-risks insurance for professional photographers...
- All insurers insist they underwrite risks, not certainties.
- Other times it is simply an economic view of an industry or product where we insure or reinsure risks.
- "Most airline risks are insured in the London market.
1.4 [with adjective] A person or thing regarded as likely to turn out well or badly in a particular context or respect: Western banks regarded Romania as a good risk...
- Moreover, the puppies have not been socialized and tend to act in disturbing and aggressive ways, making them poor risks as pets.
1.5 [mass noun] The possibility of financial loss: the Bank is rigorous when it comes to analysing and evaluating risk...
- The management of financial risk is the most obvious dimension.
- In terms of companies with the highest financial risk profile of those analysed, Greencore comes out on top when the three measures are taken together.
- Each year a report is produced by the trustees of your pension scheme and every three years there is a valuation by actuaries, who analyse financial risk.
verb [with object]
1Expose (someone or something valued) to danger, harm, or loss: he risked his life to save his dog...
- I was afraid to risk you, and was worried you'd be in danger if she kept working for me.
- I need to find a way to monitor the subjects without risking anybody's life.
- I wasn't going to risk my friends safety, plus Nick was getting scary.
Synonyms
endanger, put at risk, put in danger, expose to danger, put on the line, take a chance with, imperil, jeopardize, put in jeopardy, hazard, gamble (with), bet, wager, chance, venture
1.1Act in such a way as to bring about the possibility of (an unpleasant or unwelcome event): coal producers must sharpen up or risk losing half their business...
- I know you say that now, but we simply cannot risk another incident like this and have you lose your scholarship or even get suspended or expelled.
- Today he was too concerned for Mariah to risk an accident.
- My bet is nobody yet wants to risk the possibility of losing their subscribers to another such facility, through charging too much, or too early.
1.2Incur the chance of unfortunate consequences by engaging in (an action): Shelley was far too intelligent to risk attempting to deceive him...
- We have a chance to clear you now, and I'm not risking it by having you there at the crime scene.
- She couldn't risk anyone seeing it and spreading new rumors.
- She didn't want to risk her parents hearing her come in this late.
Synonyms
chance, venture, take the risk of, stand a chance of
Phrases
at risk
at one's (own) risk
at the risk of doing something
at risk to
risk one's neck
run (or take) the risk (or risks)
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French risque (noun), risquer (verb), from Italian risco 'danger' and rischiare 'run into danger'.