Hazard vs Peril

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

Hazard

Top 3,000 (common) C1 noun

Peril

Formal Beyond 10,000 (less common) C2 noun

Most formal: Peril Most common: Hazard

	Hazard	Peril
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/ˈhæzəd/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/ˈhæzərd/"]/	🇬🇧 //ˈpɛrɪl// 🇺🇸 //ˈpɛrəl//
Meaning	Something that can cause harm or danger.	Serious danger or risk.
Example	The slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory.	The explorers faced great peril as they navigated through the treacherous mountains.
Register	Neutral	Formal
How common	Top 3,000 (common)	Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR level	C1	C2
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	big, great, major, cause, create, pose, hazard for, hazard to, exposure to a hazard	live in peril, face peril, put in peril, perilous situation, sense of peril
Antonyms	safety, security	safety, security, protection
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 'peril' with 'perilous' – 'peril' is a noun, 'perilous' is an adjective., Using 'peril' in informal settings where simpler words could be clearer., Mispronouncing it – learners often omit the 'r' sound.
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.	Used often in literature or formal contexts. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'danger' are preferred.

See it in real clips

The Lord Of The Rings › The Fellowship Of The Ring

For the world has grown full of peril...

Peril

Frequently asked questions: Hazard vs Peril

What's the difference between Hazard and Peril?

Hazard: Something that can cause harm or danger. Peril: Serious danger or risk.

Which is more formal: Hazard and Peril?

Peril is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Hazard and Peril?

Hazard is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Hazard and Peril?

Peril is the highest level, at C2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Hazard and Peril the same CEFR level?

Hazard: C1, Peril: C2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Hazard and Peril?

Hazard: noun, Peril: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Hazard: The slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory. Peril: The explorers faced great peril as they navigated through the treacherous mountains.

Can I use Hazard and Peril interchangeably?

Not always. Hazard and Peril 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.