risk

Everyday

1. A risk is the chance that something bad, like getting hurt or losing something, may happen. tree →
2. A risk is a thing or situation that could cause harm. tree →
3. To risk something is to do something that could lead to losing or harming it. tree →
4. To take a risk is to do something even though it may go wrong. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons, children learn to spot risks (wet floors, busy roads, deep water) and reduce them (wear helmets, look both ways, swim between the flags); a risk assessment is a check before a school trip. Some risks are worth taking, like trying something new; others, like dares near roads or water, are not. In maths, risk is linked to chance and probability: high risk means likely. Phrases: «at risk», «take a risk», «risk it», «at your own risk», «high risk», «low risk», «not worth the risk», «risk assessment».

Examples

• Wearing a helmet lowers the risk of head injury. tree →
• Swim at your own risk. tree →
• Don't take risks near cliffs. tree →
• He risked his life to save the dog. tree →
• Children near busy roads are at risk. tree →
• Is this a high risk or a low risk? tree →
• It's worth the risk to try out for the team. tree →
• She didn't want to risk getting wet, so she took an umbrella. tree →
• It is a great risk, and to go is not wise. tree →

Note

Plural risks. «Risk» is followed by -ing: «risk getting hurt», not «risk to get hurt». Adjective: risky. «At risk» means in danger. In maths, more risk = higher chance of a bad result.