1risk 
/ˈrɪsk/ noun
plural risks /ˈrɪsk/ noun 1 : the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen [noncount] ▪ I prefer not to expose my money to too much risk. ▪ The degree of risk is minimal. ▪ All investments have/involve an element of risk. [count] ▪ The trip didn't seem like much of a risk. ▪ I'm aware of the risks associated with this treatment. ▪ There is a risk of liver damage with this medication. ▪ Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in a car accident. ▪ We feel that this product presents a significant risk to public health. ▪ To me, skydiving is not worth the risk. 2 [count] : someone or something that may cause something bad or unpleasant to happen
▪ Smoking is a risk to your lungs. ▪ Kids think it's fun, but they don't realize the risks involved. ▪ Excess body fat is a serious/significant health risk. ▪ The government claims she is a risk to national security. — see also security risk 3 [count] : a person or thing that someone judges to be a good or bad choice for insurance, a loan, etc.
▪ Drivers who are considered poor risks have to pay more for car insurance. ▪ The bank will determine if a potential borrower is a good/bad credit risk. [=someone who is likely/unlikely to pay back money the bank loans]
▪ Smoking is a risk to your lungs. ▪ Kids think it's fun, but they don't realize the risks involved. ▪ Excess body fat is a serious/significant health risk. ▪ The government claims she is a risk to national security. — see also security risk
▪ Drivers who are considered poor risks have to pay more for car insurance. ▪ The bank will determine if a potential borrower is a good/bad credit risk. [=someone who is likely/unlikely to pay back money the bank loans]
at risk
: in a dangerous situation : in a situation in which something bad or harmful could happen
▪ They believe that the policy puts the country at risk. ▪ people who are at risk of developing heart disease [=who might develop heart disease] ▪ The program is designed for students who are at risk for/of failure. [=who are in danger of failing] ▪ Many residents remain at risk from floodwaters. ▪ He placed his life at risk to save them. [=he risked his life to save them] ▪ The firefighter went back into the burning building to save the dog—at considerable risk to his own life.
▪ They believe that the policy puts the country at risk. ▪ people who are at risk of developing heart disease [=who might develop heart disease] ▪ The program is designed for students who are at risk for/of failure. [=who are in danger of failing] ▪ Many residents remain at risk from floodwaters. ▪ He placed his life at risk to save them. [=he risked his life to save them] ▪ The firefighter went back into the burning building to save the dog—at considerable risk to his own life.
at the risk of (doing something)
: despite the possibility of (doing something that could be considered improper, wrong, etc.)
▪ At the risk of being/sounding rude, I have to ask you how old you are. [=I have to ask how old you are even though you may consider me rude for asking] ▪ At the risk of sounding repetitive, I want to say again that our basic problem is a lack of effective leadership.
▪ At the risk of being/sounding rude, I have to ask you how old you are. [=I have to ask how old you are even though you may consider me rude for asking] ▪ At the risk of sounding repetitive, I want to say again that our basic problem is a lack of effective leadership.
at your own risk
: with full understanding that what you are doing is dangerous and that you are responsible for your own safety
▪ There's no lifeguard here, so if you swim you'll be doing it at your own risk.
▪ There's no lifeguard here, so if you swim you'll be doing it at your own risk.
calculated risk — see calculated
run a risk
: to do something that may result in loss, failure, etc.
▪ He is not afraid of running risks. [=(more commonly) taking risks]
▪ He is not afraid of running risks. [=(more commonly) taking risks]
run the risk of
: to do something that may result in (something bad or unpleasant happening)
▪ You run the risk of being misunderstood if you don't explain your purpose carefully. ▪ That strategy runs the risk of undermining their authority. ▪ It's a dangerous policy that runs the risk of failure/failing.
▪ You run the risk of being misunderstood if you don't explain your purpose carefully. ▪ That strategy runs the risk of undermining their authority. ▪ It's a dangerous policy that runs the risk of failure/failing.
take a risk
: to do something that may result in loss, failure, etc.
▪ Every time you invest money, you're taking a risk.
▪ Every time you invest money, you're taking a risk.
