What does hazardously mean?
Hazardously is an adverb meaning in a manner that exposes someone or something to danger, risk, or harm. It typically describes actions, conditions, or circumstances in which injury or damage may occur: wiring may be hazardously unstable, while voltage can be described as hazardously high. The word is formal but broadly understandable and is used in both British and American English. Unlike recklessly, which can suggest careless or irresponsible behaviour, hazardously need not blame the person involved; it may simply identify an objectively dangerous situation. In technical and safety-related writing, it signals that precautions are necessary and that the consequences could be serious. Although its core sense is straightforward, it conveys a stronger warning than the more general term unsafe. Hazardously is therefore useful when an action, condition, or level of risk warrants particular attention and protective measures.
adverbIn a manner that involves danger, risk, or the possibility of harm.
- In a way that involves danger, risk, or the possibility of harm.
"The old wiring was hazardously unstable, so the electrician shut off the power."
"The old wiring was hazardously unstable, so the electrician shut off the power."
"The guide moved hazardously close to the cliff edge, alarming the tourists."
Hazardously turns an implied risk into an unmistakable warning: this is not merely unsafe, but dangerous enough to change how you should act.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hazardously come from?
Hazardously was formed from hazardous with the adverbial suffix -ly. Hazardous derives from hazard, a Middle English borrowing from Old French hasard, which ultimately came from the Arabic zahr, meaning chance or luck. The meaning developed from chance or risk toward danger, and the adverb inherited that modern sense. Related Romance forms such as Spanish azar and Portuguese azar reflect the same Arabic source.
Related word forms
How hazardously is actually used
The word is formal but broadly understood and neutral between British and American English. It can describe objectively dangerous circumstances without necessarily implying that someone behaved recklessly.
Easily confused with hazardously
Hazardous is an adjective describing something that poses danger, whereas hazardously is an adverb describing the dangerous manner of an action or circumstance.