English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition risk in British English

risk noun

noun
/rɪsk/

▪ calculated, grave, greater, high, increased, potential, real, serious, significant, unacceptable

▪ avoid, carry, eliminate, entail, increase, involve, minimize, pose, reduce, run, take

The noun risk is never followed by an infinitive. Use the pattern the/a risk of doing something:

✗ Smokers themselves have a high risk to get cancer.

✓ Smokers themselves have a high risk of getting cancer.

✗ If you eat too much you run the risk to have serious health problems.

✓ If you eat too much you run the risk of having serious health problems.

risk

1

the possibility that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen

Example

Most major changes involve some risk.

Example

The risk of a major nuclear accident must be taken seriously.

Example

The risk of developing lung cancer from smoking is a serious one.

Example

There is no risk that the virus can be transferred from patient to doctor.

Example

The risks to consumers from these products need to be fully analysed.

Example

You can reduce the risk of heart disease by exercising regularly.

Example

All outdoor activities carry an element of risk.

Example

We might get away with it, but it isn't really worth the risk.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

someone or something that is likely to be a danger or problem in the future

Example

The council says the waste is not a risk to the public.

Example

Some of these restaurants are a clear health risk to diners.

Example

All these books and papers are a real fire risk.

Example

Large quantities of such material constitute a potential fire risk.

Example

Such prisoners pose no real risk to the public.

Definition risk in British English