What is risk? Pronunciation and usage in English

risk means . Learn how to pronounce and use risk through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of risk

risknoun/verb

/rɪsk/
Definition & pronunciation of risk

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "risk" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • rɪsk (rhymes with "risk" as in "risk a danger")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • ri - pronounced like the "ri" in "ride"
  • sk - pronounced like "sk" in "sky"

Therefore, it’s a quick, two-syllable word.

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable – “ri”.
  • "r" sound: The "r" is a slightly rolled "r," but it doesn't need to be a super dramatic roll. Just give it a little extra sharpness.
  • "i" sound: The "i" in "risk" makes the "ih" sound, as in "bit".

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Just search "how to pronounce risk" on Google. You'll find audio examples and videos.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/risk/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce risk" on YouTube, and you’ll find many helpful videos.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "risk"?
  • Explain a slightly different (less common) pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word risk in English

Let's break down how to use the word "risk" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings and ways to incorporate it into your speech and writing.

1. As a Noun (The core meaning: a possibility of something bad happening)

  • Definition: A chance of something undesirable occurring; a potential loss or difficulty.
  • Examples:
    • "There's a risk of rain later today." (A chance of rain)
    • "He took a big risk by investing all his savings." (A chance of losing the money)
    • "Safety is a major risk in this work environment." (Potential for injury)
    • "The risk of failure is high if we don't plan carefully." (Potential for not succeeding)
    • “We need to assess the risk involved in this project.” (Evaluating the potential problems)

2. As a Verb (To expose yourself to a possibility of something bad happening)

  • Definition: To expose oneself to danger or possibility of loss; to undertake something with potential negative consequences.
  • Examples:
    • "I risk losing my job if I challenge the boss." (Exposing yourself to the possibility of losing your job)
    • "She risked her reputation by speaking out against the company." (Exposing yourself to potential damage to reputation)
    • "The climber risked falling from the cliff." (Exposing yourself to the danger of falling)
    • “The company is willing to risk significant financial losses to expand into new markets.” (Taking on the potential for losses)

3. Common Phrases with "Risk"

  • Risk assessment: The process of identifying and evaluating potential risks.
  • Risk management: Planning and implementing strategies to minimize or avoid risks.
  • Risk tolerance: The level of risk a person or organization is willing to accept.
  • Take a risk: To do something that involves uncertainty or potential danger.
  • Risk factor: A condition or circumstance that increases the likelihood of a negative outcome. (e.g., "Smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer.")
  • Mitigate risk: To take steps to reduce the potential negative consequences of a risk.

4. Levels of Risk (Adding Detail)

  • Low risk: A small chance of something bad happening.
  • Medium risk: A moderate chance of something bad happening.
  • High risk: A significant chance of something bad happening.

5. Context is Key

The precise meaning of "risk" depends heavily on the context.

Here's a table to help you:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Potential for something bad "The risk of the storm is high."
Verb To expose oneself to danger "He risked his life to save the child."
Phrase Process/Strategy "Risk assessment and management"

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use the word "risk" in? (e.g., writing a report, having a conversation, answering a grammar question?)
  • Can you give me a specific sentence where you’re considering using “risk”?

Synonyms for the word risk

Idioms of the word risk

at risk
in danger of something unpleasant or harmful happening
  • As with all diseases, certain groups will be more at risk than others.
  • If we go to war, innocent lives will be put at risk.
  • Journalists in the zone are at serious risk of being kidnapped.
  • Adults were also at risk from epidemics.
at the risk of doing something
used to introduce something that may sound stupid or may offend somebody
  • At the risk of showing my ignorance, how exactly does the internet work?
at risk to yourself/somebody/something
with the possibility of harming yourself/somebody/something
  • He dived in to save the dog at considerable risk to his own life.
  • He saved the child at considerable risk to himself.
do something at your own risk
to do something even though you have been warned about the possible dangers and will have to take responsibility for anything bad that happens
  • Persons swimming beyond this point do so at their own risk (= on a notice).
  • Valuables are left at their owner's risk (= on a notice).
  • The building is unsafe—enter at your own risk.
run a/the risk (of something/of doing something) | run risks
to be or put yourself in a situation in which something bad could happen to you
  • People who are overweight run a risk of a heart attack or stroke.
  • We don't want to run the risk of losing their business.
  • Investment is all about running risks.
take a risk | take risks
to do something even though you know that something bad could happen as a result
  • That's a risk I'm not prepared to take.
  • You have no right to take risks with other people's lives.

Practice with vocabulary risk

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Companies often face the __________ of financial loss when expanding into volatile new markets.
  2. Researchers must __________ contamination when handling sensitive biological samples.
  3. Improper disposal of chemical waste poses a significant environmental __________.
  4. Despite the intense competition, the start-up saw a clear __________ to disrupt the industry with its innovative technology.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The CEO decided to __________ launching the new product without extensive market testing, believing in its innovative potential. a) avoid b) risk c) guarantee d) speculate on

  2. Which of these terms describes exposure to danger, harm, or loss? a) peril b) assurance c) security d) risk e) hazard

  3. When assessing project viability, it's crucial to identify potential __________ that could impede progress. a) certainties b) advantages c) challenges d) opportunities

  4. An effective manager should always look for ways to __________ potential negative impacts on team morale. a) escalate b) mitigate c) ignore d) embrace

  5. The venture capitalist explained that high-__________ investments often yield the highest returns. a) security b) safe c) profitable d) risk

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Failing to back up critical data could lead to severe consequences. Rewrite (using "risk" or related word forms):

  2. Original: The company is exposing itself to legal action by not complying with environmental regulations. Rewrite (using "risk" or related word forms):

  3. Original: The primary challenge in this project is managing the limited budget effectively. Rewrite (without using "risk"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. risk
  2. risk
  3. hazard
  4. opportunity

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) risk, d) speculate on
  2. a) peril, d) risk, e) hazard
  3. c) challenges
  4. b) mitigate
  5. d) risk

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Not backing up critical data puts the organization at risk of severe consequences.
  2. The company is risking legal action by not complying with environmental regulations.
  3. The primary difficulty in this project is managing the limited budget effectively.

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