1. The possibility of suffering harm or loss; the danger that injury, damage, or loss will occur; jeopardy: There is a risk anytime a person plans to drive a car when the gas level is low.
2. A factor, thing, element, or any course of action involving uncertain damage or loss; a hazard: There is a considerable risk caused by freezing rain for people who are walking outside.
3. The statistical chance that there could be danger from something; especially, from the failure of an engineered system: A poorly constructed bridge is a significant risk for the drivers in the city.
4. Etymology: from the 1660's risque, from French risque, from Italian risco, riscio, the modern version is now rischio, from riscare, "to run into danger"; of uncertain origin.

1. To expose a person or something to harm, danger, or loss; or to have a situation in which it could be lost or damaged: Steve's father risked all of his money by starting his own business; especially, in these bad economic times.
2. To make it possible that something harmful, dangerous, or detrimental could happen: David's company is risking the loss of millions of dollars by taking part in the proposed project.

1. Excessive consumption of television.
2. Neglect of reading challenging materials.
3. Lack of stimulating conversation.
4. Avoidance of challenging word (vocabulary) acquisitions from a variety of perspectives.