Cool MateHazard vs Risk
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Hazard
Top 3,000 (common)C1noun
Risk
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Risk
| Hazard | Risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈhæzəd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhæzərd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪsk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪsk/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that can cause harm or danger. | the chance of something bad happening |
| Example | The slippery floors are a serious hazard in the factory. | There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | big, great, major, cause, create, pose, hazard for, hazard to, exposure to a hazard | 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 | 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 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. | 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 Risk
What's the difference between Hazard and Risk?
Hazard: Something that can cause harm or danger. Risk: the chance of something bad happening
Which is more common: Hazard and Risk?
Risk is the most common in everyday English.
Are Hazard and Risk the same CEFR level?
Hazard: C1, Risk: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Hazard and Risk interchangeably?
Not always. Hazard 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.