Hazard vs Jeopardize vs Risk
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hazard
Jeopardize
Risk
| Hazard | Jeopardize | Risk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈhæzəd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhæzərd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈdʒɛpədaɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈdʒɛpərdaɪz// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪsk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪsk/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that can cause harm or danger. | To put something at risk or make it vulnerable. | the chance of something bad happening |
| Example | The slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory. | His reckless driving could jeopardize the lives of others. | There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb | noun |
| Collocations | big, great, major, cause, create, pose, hazard for, hazard to, exposure to a hazard | jeopardize safety, jeopardize chances, jeopardize interests | big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk, big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk, big, considerable, enormous, degree, level, element, face, run, take, outweigh something, group, factor, assessment, at risk, at risk from, at risk of, at your own risk, an increase in risk, a reduction in risk |
| Antonyms | safety, security | protect, safeguard, secure | safety, certainty |
| Common mistakes | 'Hazard' confused with 'hazards' in plural form., 'Hazard' used incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun., Mixing up 'hazard' with 'risk' when describing dangers. | Confusing with 'jeopardy', which refers to risk but is a noun., Using it as an adjective instead of a verb., Incorrectly placing it as a noun. | Confusing risk with danger - risk is about possibility, while danger implies a higher chance of harm., Using 'risks' as a singular noun - remember to use the correct plural or singular form., Omitting the object when saying 'risk' - always specify what is being risked. |
| Usage notes | Use 'hazard' when discussing risks or dangers, especially in safety contexts. It's appropriate for formal writing and discussions but may feel too technical in casual conversation. | Use in contexts where someone's actions may endanger a situation, plan, or safety. Avoid in overly casual situations. | Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. When discussing financial matters, 'risk' is frequent; however, it may not be appropriate in casual conversation about personal matters unless framed carefully. |
Frequently asked questions: Hazard vs Jeopardize vs Risk
What's the difference between Hazard, Jeopardize, and Risk?
Hazard: Something that can cause harm or danger. Jeopardize: To put something at risk or make it vulnerable. Risk: the chance of something bad happening
Which is more common: Hazard, Jeopardize, and Risk?
Risk is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Hazard, Jeopardize, and Risk?
Hazard is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Hazard, Jeopardize, and Risk the same CEFR level?
Hazard: C1, Jeopardize: B1, Risk: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Hazard, Jeopardize, and Risk?
Hazard: noun, Jeopardize: verb, Risk: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Hazard: The slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory. Jeopardize: His reckless driving could jeopardize the lives of others. Risk: There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market.
Can I use Hazard, Jeopardize, and Risk interchangeably?
Not always. Hazard, Jeopardize, and Risk are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.