Risk vs. Risky — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 3, 2023
"Risk" is a noun denoting exposure to danger, while "Risky" is an adjective describing a situation or action with a potential for danger.
Difference Between Risk and Risky
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Risk" is a substantive noun that refers to the possibility of something undesirable happening. It implies exposure to a chance of injury or loss. For instance, starting a new business always comes with some level of risk. On the other hand, "Risky" is an adjective used to describe situations, decisions, or actions that have the potential to result in harm or loss. Saying a decision is risky indicates that there's an inherent threat involved.
"Risk" often implies a measurable or quantifiable chance of a particular outcome. Analysts might calculate the risk of an investment failing to provide a certain return. "Risky" is more qualitative in nature, serving as a descriptor. For example, skydiving might be considered a risky sport due to the potential dangers involved.
When discussing potential outcomes or possibilities, "Risk" tends to be used in more neutral or clinical terms. One might say, "There's a risk of rain tomorrow." However, "Risky" carries more emotional weight and is often used to advise caution. "It's risky to drive without your seatbelt on," underscores the potential danger of the action.
"Risk" is frequently used in financial, business, and insurance contexts. For example, investors might discuss the risk-to-reward ratio of a particular stock. "Risky", by contrast, finds more general application. From risky behaviors to risky ventures, it describes any scenario where there's a perceived threat or danger.
Lastly, while "Risk" can be both positive and negative, reflecting an uncertain future event, "Risky" is predominantly negative, emphasizing the potential downsides or dangers of a situation or action.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Usage
Refers to the possibility of danger or loss
Describes situations/actions with potential for danger/loss
Qualitative/Quantitative
Often quantifiable (e.g., "10% risk")
Qualitative (e.g., "That's risky!")
Context
More neutral (e.g., "risk of rain")
Often cautionary (e.g., "risky behavior")
Connotation
Can be both positive and negative
Predominantly negative
Compare with Definitions
Risk
A chance of loss or harm.
There's a risk of flooding in coastal areas.
Risky
Involving the possibility of something bad or harmful.
Climbing without equipment is risky.
Risk
Exposure to potential danger.
Traveling during a pandemic poses a significant risk.
Risky
Full of potential hazards.
It's risky to travel without insurance.
Risk
A person or thing causing a risk.
Driving under the influence makes one a risk to others.
Risky
Likely to produce unwanted results.
Relying solely on luck is a risky strategy.
Risk
The potential negative outcome in a venture.
Every investment has its risk.
Risky
Imprudent or lacking caution.
Taking shortcuts in safety procedures is risky.
Risk
The possibility of a specific event occurring.
The risk of theft increases in crowded places.
Risky
Characterized by uncertainty.
Predicting the weather months in advance is risky.
Risk
The possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger.
Risky
Accompanied by or involving risk or danger; hazardous.
Risk
A factor, thing, element, or course involving uncertain danger; a hazard
"the usual risks of the desert.
Risky
Dangerous, involving risks.
Investing in this start-up company could be risky.
Risk
The danger or probability of loss to an insurer.
Risky
Misspelling of risqué
Risk
The amount that an insurance company stands to lose.
Risky
Attended with risk or danger; hazardous.
Generalization are always risky.
Risk
The variability of returns from an investment.
Risky
Involving risk or danger;
Skydiving is a hazardous sport
Extremely risky going out in the tide and fog
A venturesome journey in wintertime
A venturous enterprise
Risk
The chance of nonpayment of a debt.
Risky
Not financially safe or secure;
A bad investment
High risk investments
Anything that promises to pay too much can't help being risky
Speculative business enterprises
Risk
One considered with respect to the possibility of loss
A poor risk.
Risk
To expose to a chance of loss or damage; hazard.
Risk
To incur the risk of
His action risked a sharp reprisal.
Risk
(uncountable) The probability of a negative outcome to a decision or event.
There is risk of being brutalized, arrested, imprisoned and tortured, all because I want you to know the truth about this matter.
Risk
(uncountable) The magnitude of possible loss consequent to a decision or event.
Risk
The potential negative effect of an event, determined by multiplying the likelihood of the event occurring with its magnitude should it occur.
Risk
(countable) A possible adverse event or outcome.
Risk
(insurance) A type of adverse event covered under an insurance policy.
Risk
(countable) A thing (from the perspective of how likely or unlikely it is to cause an adverse effect).
That man is going to be a big risk once he's out of prison.
Those stairs are a major risk.
Risk
A borrower (such as a mortgage-holder or person with a credit card).
A good credit rating indicates the customer is a desirable risk.
Risk
(finance) A financial product (typically an investment).
Subprime mortgages are poor risks; especially for a pension scheme.
Risk
(insurance) An entity insured by an insurer.
Risk
(transitive) To incur risk of (something).
Risk
(transitive) To incur risk of harming or jeopardizing.
Risk
(transitive) To incur risk as a result of (doing something).
Risk
Hazard; danger; peril; exposure to loss, injury, or destruction.
The imminent and constant risk of assassination, a risk which has shaken very strong nerves.
Risk
Hazard of loss; liabillity to loss in property.
Risk
To expose to risk, hazard, or peril; to venture; as, to risk goods on board of a ship; to risk one's person in battle; to risk one's fame by a publication.
Risk
To incur the risk or danger of; as, to risk a battle.
Risk
A source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune;
Drinking alcohol is a health hazard
Risk
A venture undertaken without regard to possible loss or injury;
He saw the rewards but not the risks of crime
There was a danger he would do the wrong thing
Risk
The probability of becoming infected given that exposure to an infectious agent has occurred
Risk
The probability of being exposed to an infectious agent
Risk
Expose to a chance of loss or damage;
We risked losing a lot of money in this venture
Why risk your life?
Risk
Take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome;
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
Common Curiosities
How about "Risky"? What part of speech is it?
"Risky" is an adjective.
What part of speech is "Risk"?
"Risk" is a noun.
Can I say "This is a risk decision"?
It's more appropriate to say "This is a risky decision."
Is "Risky" more qualitative?
Yes, "Risky" is more qualitative, describing the nature of a situation or action.
In what contexts is "Risk" frequently used?
"Risk" is commonly used in financial, business, and insurance contexts.
What's a synonym for "Risk"?
A synonym for "Risk" is "hazard" or "peril."
And for "Risky"?
For "Risky", synonyms include "hazardous" and "perilous."
Can "Risk" be both positive and negative?
Yes, "Risk" can denote both potential gain and loss, depending on context.
Is "Risky" typically used in a positive or negative sense?
"Risky" is predominantly used in a negative sense to denote potential danger.
Can "Risk" be quantified?
Yes, "Risk" can often be quantified, like in the phrase "There's a 30% risk."
Can "Risky" be used as a noun?
No, "Risky" is an adjective and doesn't function as a noun.
Is "Risk" always something negative?
No, while "Risk" often denotes potential harm, it can also reflect a chance of gain.
How about "Risky"? In what scenarios is it commonly used?
"Risky" finds broader application, describing any situation or action with potential danger.
Does "Risky" always suggest a bad outcome?
Typically, "Risky" suggests a higher potential for an undesirable outcome.
Can "Risk" be used as an adjective?
While "Risk" is primarily a noun, in some contexts it can function adjectivally, as in "risk factors."
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
