risks

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Possible bad things that could happen and cause harm or loss.

   Grammar: Plural of 'risk'. Use it to talk about several dangers or dangers in general.

   Patterns

   • risks of something
   • risks to someone/something
   • take risks
   • weigh the risks

   The risks of driving too fast are obvious.

   Before investing, she weighed the risks carefully.

   There are health risks linked to eating too much salt.

2. 2verbtransitive

   Puts something valuable in danger of being lost or harmed.

   Grammar: Takes an object: risks his life, risks losing money.

   Patterns

   • risk something
   • risk doing something

   He risks his reputation every time he speaks out.

   She risked losing her job by complaining.

Word forms

Common combinations

health risks

The report lists the health risks of air pollution.

security risks

The company hired experts to find security risks.

take risks

Good leaders know when to take risks.

reduce risks

Wearing a helmet reduces risks on a bike.

risks and benefits

Doctors explained the risks and benefits of the treatment.

Synonyms and how they differ

dangers

Stronger and more direct than 'risks'; 'dangers' suggests harm is likely, while 'risks' suggests it is possible.

hazards

Often used for physical things that can hurt you, like chemicals or icy roads; 'risks' is broader and can include money or reputation.

threats

Suggests an active enemy or source of harm; 'risks' can be passive, like the risk of rain.

Opposites

Word family

risky adjective

Involving the possibility of loss or harm; not safe.

riskily adverb

In a way that involves danger.

riskiness noun

The quality of being dangerous or uncertain.

Commonly confused: risks or risqué?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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