What does jeopardous mean?
Jeopardous is a formal adjective meaning dangerous or involving serious risk. It describes actions, conditions, or decisions that could lead to harm, loss, or an uncertain outcome. The word often carries a slightly elevated, literary tone, so it is less common in ordinary conversation than dangerous, risky, or hazardous. For example, a speaker might call a storm “jeopardous” in a dramatic description, or describe a decision as jeopardous when emphasizing that it could have serious consequences. Although closely related in meaning to hazardous and perilous, jeopardous is chiefly distinguished by its distinctive formation and its relatively uncommon use. Its connection to jeopardy and jeopardize also makes it especially effective for language about putting a valued person, plan, or result at risk.
adjectiveJeopardous means involving danger or risk; dangerously uncertain. It is a formal and literary adjective, especially used to describe something that could harm a person, cause loss, or put an outcome at risk.
- Involving danger, risk, or the possibility of serious harm.
"The detectives realized that revealing the clue had been a jeopardous decision."
"The expedition faced jeopardous weather throughout the crossing."
"He made the jeopardous decision to speak out against the powerful official."
Jeopardous describes anything that could turn a promising situation into a dangerous one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jeopardous come from?
Jeopardous is a formation in the -ous suffix added to jeopardy, giving it the meaning “involving jeopardy” or “dangerous.” Jeopardy and jeopardize belong to the same word family, although the precise history of the family’s origin is complex and not entirely certain. The modern English words are associated with the idea of putting someone or something at risk.
Related word forms
How jeopardous is actually used
This word is rare and belongs mainly to formal or literary English. In everyday speech, dangerous, risky, or hazardous are more natural choices.