risk

The chance that something bad will happen.

• There is little risk of rain.
• Better lighting reduced the risk of accidents.
• Are these animals at risk of extinction?

How to use it: risk of something/doing something (There is a risk of losing your money.); at risk of something (These houses are at risk of flooding.)

Similar words: chance, likelihood

Common phrases: high risk, low risk, reduce the risk, at risk

A bad thing that could happen when you do something.

• Every journey has its risks.
• The guide explained the risks of climbing alone.
• We discussed the financial risks before investing.

How to use it: a risk of something (One risk of surgery is infection.)

Similar words: danger, hazard

Common phrases: health risk, financial risk, serious risk, avoid a risk

A person or thing judged by how likely they are to cause harm or loss.

• The loose wire is a fire risk.
• The company considers him a security risk.
• Insurers see careful drivers as good risks.

How to use it: a risk to someone/something (That damaged tree is a risk to nearby houses.)

Similar words: hazard, threat

Common phrases: security risk, fire risk, a good risk, a bad risk

You do something even though it could cause harm or make you lose something valuable.

• Don't risk your life.
• He risked losing all his savings.
• Would you risk your career for this opportunity?

How to use it: risk something (She risked her job by speaking out.); risk doing something (We risk missing the train if we wait.)

Similar words: endanger, jeopardize, chance

Common phrases: risk your life, risk losing something, risk everything, risk an injury