risk

noun

/rɪsk/

Definition

B2 [C or U] the possibility of something bad happening: In this business, the risks and the rewards are high. There's a high risk of another accident happening in this fog. [+ (that)] The risk (that) we might fail made us work twice as hard. [+ -ing verb] It's always a risk starting up a new business. The company is quite a good risk (= safe to lend money to). We want clean rivers and lakes, where you can swim without risk to your health. It's a low/high-risk strategy (= one that is safe/not safe).Dangers and threats C1 [C] something bad that might happen: This wire is a safety/fire risk. His employers thought he was a security risk (= he might tell their secrets to a competitor).Dangers and threats at risk B2 in a dangerous situation: All houses within 100 metres of the seas are at risk of flooding.Unsafe and insecure at your own risk C2 used to mean that you are responsible for any damage, loss, or difficulty: Owners are reminded that they leave their cars here at their own risk.Duty, obligation and responsibility run/take a risk B2 to do something you know might be dangerous: Don't take any risks - just ring the police.Taking risksGambling and bookmaking

(Definition of risk noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)