What is the Difference Between Risk and Risky?

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The key difference between risk and risky lies in their grammatical categories. Risk is a noun and a verb, while risky is an adjective. Both terms convey negative connotations, emphasizing dangerous outcomes.

  • Risk: Refers to someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard. It is often used as a warning, signaling that a particular action or decision may lead to undesirable consequences. For example, "Taking on too much debt can lead to financial risk."
  • Risky: An adjective that means "involving danger or hazardous". It is used to describe situations, actions, or decisions that expose an individual or entity to a higher likelihood of harm or negative outcomes. For example, "Skydiving is a risky sport because it involves jumping from an airplane and falling at high speeds."

In summary, risk is the potential for negative outcomes, while risky refers to the level of danger or hazardous nature associated with a particular action, decision, or situation.

Comparative Table: Risk vs Risky

Here is a table comparing the differences between "risk" and "risky":

Feature Risk Risky
Grammatical Category Noun and Verb Adjective
Meaning Refers to 'someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard' and 'possibility of loss or injury' Means 'involving danger or hazardous'
Examples - The risk of investing in a new business venture.
- The risk of not having enough funds for retirement.
- Buying something from the black market is risky.
- Even though skydiving is a risky sport, many people look forward to having that experience at least once in their lifetime.

In summary, "risk" is a noun and a verb that refers to the possibility of something bad happening or the potential for loss or injury, while "risky" is an adjective that describes something involving danger or hazardous.