Hazard vs Jeopardize vs Risk

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Hazard

Top 3,000 (common)C1noun

Jeopardize

Beyond 10,000 (less common)B1verb

Risk

Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Risk
 HazardJeopardizeRisk
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈhæzəd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhæzərd/"]/🇬🇧 //ˈdʒɛpədaɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈdʒɛpərdaɪz//🇬🇧 /["/rɪsk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪsk/"]/
MeaningSomething that can cause harm or danger.To put something at risk or make it vulnerable.the chance of something bad happening
ExampleThe 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.
RegisterNeutralNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 3,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelC1B1B1
Part of speechnounverbnoun
Collocationsbig, great, major, cause, create, pose, hazard for, hazard to, exposure to a hazardjeopardize safety, jeopardize chances, jeopardize interestsbig, 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
Antonymssafety, securityprotect, safeguard, securesafety, 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 notesUse '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.

Related comparisons