Jeopardize vs Risk

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

Jeopardize

Beyond 10,000 (less common)B1verb

Risk

Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Risk
 JeopardizeRisk
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ˈdʒɛpədaɪz//🇺🇸 //ˈdʒɛpərdaɪz//🇬🇧 /["/rɪsk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪsk/"]/
MeaningTo put something at risk or make it vulnerable.the chance of something bad happening
ExampleHis reckless driving could jeopardize the lives of others.There is a risk involved in investing in the stock market.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelB1B1
Part of speechverbnoun
Collocationsjeopardize 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
Antonymsprotect, safeguard, securesafety, certainty
Common mistakesConfusing 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 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.

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Risk

Frequently asked questions: Jeopardize vs Risk

What's the difference between Jeopardize and Risk?

Jeopardize: To put something at risk or make it vulnerable. Risk: the chance of something bad happening

Which is more common: Jeopardize and Risk?

Risk is the most common in everyday English.

Are Jeopardize and Risk the same CEFR level?

Jeopardize: B1, Risk: B1 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Jeopardize and Risk?

Jeopardize: verb, Risk: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

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 Jeopardize and Risk interchangeably?

Not always. 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.

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