Distinguishing Between Risk & Risky

The two words risk and risky are frequently misused. However, both these words give negative connotations which emphasise dangerous outcomes. The difference between risk and risky lies in their grammatical category. The key difference between risk and risky is that risk is a noun and the verb form whereas risky is the adjective form of the same word. It is important to have a sound knowledge about the difference between risk and risky to use them in a more meaningful manner.

Key Takeaways

• Risk is a noun and a verb, whereas risky is an adjective.
• Risk refers to ‘someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard’, while risky means ‘involving danger or hazardous’.
• Understanding the difference between risk and risky is essential to use them correctly and meaningfully in sentences.

What Does Risk Mean?

Risk belongs to the noun and the verb category of the word risk.  The noun form of risk emphasizes that there is a possibility of something bad happening shortly. As defined by the Merriam Webster,  risk is ‘someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard’ and ‘possibility of loss or injury’
A similar definition is provided by the Oxford dictionary, as ‘a situation involving exposure to danger.’ and ‘a person or thing regarded as a threat or likely source of danger’ etc.
Consider the given sentences where ‘risk’ is used in its noun form,

He lent his money to his colleague even though there was a possible risk in doing so.
Anyone taking the hillside road is at a risk of confronting the heavy fog in the evening.
Shifting her business place is a risk to her at this time of the year.

Risk is also a transitive verb in its verb form. The verb risk suggests exposing something or someone to a dangerous situation that might cause harm and loss. According to Merriam Webster, risk as a verb means ‘to expose to hazard or danger’ or ‘to incur the risk or danger of’. A similar definition is provided in the Oxford dictionary as well.
Consider the given sentences where ‘risk’ is used in its verb form,

He risked his life to save the legendary chronicle from falling into the evil hands.
He risked travelling to Florida to see his mom few weeks after his surgery.
The brave soldiers risked their lives to save the country.

Figure 01: Anyone taking the hillside road is at a risk of confronting the heavy fog in the evening.
Moreover, risk is used in varied phrases such as;

at risk (Exposed to harm or danger)
at one’s risk (Taking responsibility for one’s own safety or possessions.)
at the risk of doing something (Although there is the possibility of something unpleasant resulting)
at risk to (With the possibility of endangering)
run or take the risk (Expose oneself to the possibility of something unpleasant occurring)

What Does Risky Mean?

Risky is the adjective form of risk. Thus, it describes a situation(s) associated with the dangerous or hazardous outcomes or situations involving the possibility of something bad or unpleasant happening: involving risk. Since it is an adjective risky often follows a noun.
Figure 02: Buying from the black market is a risky business
Consider the given examples,

Even though skydiving is a risky sport, many people look forward to having that experience at least once in their lifetime.
Buying something from the black market is risky.
He was willing to use the risky method to complete his research.
The guide accompanied the tourists in this risky weather.

What is the Difference Between Risk and Risky?

Risk vs Risky

Risk is the noun and the verb form of risk, which refers to ‘someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard’
Risky is the adjective form which means ‘involving danger or hazardous’.

Grammatical Category

Risk is a noun and a verb.
Risky is an adjective

Summary – Risk vs Risky

Both risk and risky often connote a negative meaning of something related to or involving dangerous and perilous outcomes. Risky is the adjective form of the base word risk. The difference between risk and risky lies in their grammatical categories. While risky is the adjective risk belong to both the noun and verb categories. Knowing the difference between risk and risky is significant since they are often been misused.