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risk

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noun British English pronunciation: risk /rɪsk/ 
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singularrisk
pluralrisks
 
  1. [countable/uncountable] the possibility that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen

    Most major changes involve some risk.

    risk of:

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

    the risk of doing something:

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

    risk (that):

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

    risk to:

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

    reduce/increase the risk of something:

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

    an element of risk (=some risk):

    All outdoor activities carry an element of risk.

    worth the risk:

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

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of risk
    1. a.
      [countable] someone or something that is likely to be a danger or problem in the future
      risk to:

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

      health risk (=something that could be a danger to people's health):

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

      fire risk (=something that could cause a fire):

      All these books and papers are a real fire risk.

      Large quantities of such material constitute a potential fire risk.

      pose a risk (to someone) (=be a risk):

      Such prisoners pose no real risk to the public.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of risk

phrases

This is the British English definition of risk. View American English definition of risk.

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View the pronunciation for risk.

 

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