risk-taker

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A person who willingly does things that involve possible danger, loss, or failure.

   Grammar: Countable: use a/an or plural -s. Often followed by in: a risk-taker in business.

   Patterns

   • a risk-taker in something
   • a natural risk-taker
   • a big risk-taker

   She's a risk-taker who left a stable job to start her own company.

   As a risk-taker, he enjoys betting on new ideas that others avoid.

   The team needs a risk-taker who isn't afraid to try unusual methods.

2. 2nouncountable

   Someone who takes chances in a particular activity or field, especially business or sports.

   Grammar: Often used with in: a risk-taker in finance. Can be modified by adjectives like calculated or reckless.

   Patterns

   • a calculated risk-taker
   • a reckless risk-taker
   • a risk-taker in finance

   He's a calculated risk-taker in finance, never gambling more than he can afford.

   The coach described her as a risk-taker on the field, always going for the difficult shot.

   Being a risk-taker in negotiations can pay off, but it can also backfire.

Word forms

Common combinations

a natural risk-taker

From a young age, she was a natural risk-taker, always climbing the highest trees.

a calculated risk-taker

He's a calculated risk-taker who studies the odds before investing.

a big risk-taker

You don't have to be a big risk-taker to succeed in this industry.

risk-taker in business

As a risk-taker in business, she expanded into markets others ignored.

not much of a risk-taker

I'm not much of a risk-taker, so I prefer safe investments.

Synonyms and how they differ

gambler

Suggests betting money or taking a big chance, often with a negative tone; a risk-taker can be more calculated and positive.

adventurer

Focuses on exciting experiences and travel, while a risk-taker may take risks in business or other areas.

daredevil

Implies reckless, showy behavior and physical danger; a risk-taker is usually more controlled.

Opposites

Word family

risk-taking noun

The act of doing things that involve risk.

risk noun

The possibility of loss or danger.

risky adjective

Involving the possibility of loss or danger.

Commonly confused: risk-taker or risk-taker?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “risk-taker”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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