What does risking mean?
“Risking” means causing or accepting the possibility of danger, loss, harm, or failure. It is the present participle of “risk” and is commonly used when describing an action that may have an undesirable consequence, as in “risking injury” or “risking failure.” The word can refer both to exposing another person or thing to harm, as in “The driver risked the passengers’ lives,” and to knowingly undertaking an uncertain action, as in “They risked losing everything on a single bet.” “Risking” often implies that the person doing it recognizes the danger but proceeds anyway. Although the word is sometimes criticized as redundant when used with “danger,” it remains natural in constructions such as “risking a lawsuit” or “risking lives,” where the exact nature of the potential harm is specified.
verbExposing oneself or something else to danger, loss, harm, or an undesirable outcome. It is the present participle of the verb “risk,” formed by adding “-ing.”
- To expose oneself or something to danger, loss, harm, or an undesirable outcome.
- To undertake an action whose outcome is uncertain, especially one that may result in loss or failure.
"By ignoring the warning, he risked the lives of everyone on board."
"She avoided risking the project by completing another draft before the deadline."
"Many hikers risk injury by setting out without enough food or appropriate equipment."
To risk something is to accept the possibility of losing it before knowing whether that loss will occur.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does risking come from?
The verb comes from “risk,” which entered English in the early 17th century from French “risque,” itself derived from Italian “risico.” These forms ultimately trace to Latin roots associated with daring or facing danger. The modern participial form “risking” follows the regular English addition of “-ing” to the verb.
Related word forms
How risking is actually used
“Risking” is standard in formal and informal contexts. It commonly takes a direct object, as in “risking failure,” and is frequently used in the expression “risk one’s life.” The construction “risk to” is also common: “The fault risks injury to passengers.”
Easily confused with risking
“Risking” is the verb form used in an action, whereas “risky” is an adjective describing something involving danger or uncertainty.