high-risk
UK: ˌhaɪ ˈrɪsk | US: ˌhaɪ ˈrɪsk
adj. involving a high level of danger or potential loss
adj. likely to result in failure or negative consequences
The compound "high-risk" combines "high," from Old English hēah (meaning "tall, lofty, or extreme"), with "risk," borrowed from Italian rischio (via French risque), ultimately from Arabic rizq (meaning "fortune" or "provision"). Over time, "risk" evolved to denote exposure to danger. The pairing "high-risk" emerged in the 19th century to describe activities or situations with significantly elevated chances of harm or failure, reflecting a logical intensification of the root concept.
Investing in startups is considered a high-risk venture.
The surgeon explained the high-risk nature of the procedure.
Smoking during pregnancy is a high-risk behavior for the baby.
The bank avoids lending to high-risk borrowers.
Climate change makes coastal cities high-risk zones for flooding.