What does risked mean?
Risked means that someone exposed a person, thing, or plan to danger, loss, or an unfavorable result. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb risk, which can describe both an attempt involving uncertainty and the deliberate placing of something valuable in danger. In sentences such as 'She risked her life' or 'The business risked its future,' the word emphasizes the potentially serious consequences of failure. It can also carry a negative implication, as when an action is described as foolish or overly daring, although the degree of criticism depends on the context. Risking an opportunity or asking a question may sound relatively mild, while risking one's life is strongly associated with danger and bravery or recklessness. The word is standard and widely used in both British and American English.
verbTo expose something or someone to danger, loss, or an undesirable outcome. It can also mean to undertake something uncertain, especially at one's own risk.
- To expose someone or something to danger, harm, or loss.
- To attempt or undertake something despite the possibility of an undesirable outcome.
"The climber risked her life to reach the stranded hiker."
"The company risked millions on the new product."
"She risked asking for clarification and was relieved when the manager responded patiently."
To risk something is to accept that failure may cost more than you gain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does risked come from?
The verb risk comes from the late Middle English word risque, borrowed from French risque, meaning danger or hazard. French in turn derived it from the Italian risico, which was probably influenced by Arabic and ultimately developed from the Greek word rhiskos, meaning danger. The modern forms risks, risking, and risked entered regular English usage as inflections of the verb.
Related word forms
How risked is actually used
The form is used as the past tense and past participle of risk. It is neutral in register, although phrases such as 'risked his life' can convey a sense of danger, courage, or recklessness depending on context.
Easily confused with risked
Risked is the past tense and past participle of risk, while brisk means lively or done quickly and energetically.