riskiness
|risk-i-ness|
/ˈrɪskɪnəs/
degree of risk
Etymology
'riskiness' is a modern English formation: the abstract noun formed by adding the suffix '-ness' to 'risky' (itself from 'risk'). 'risk' entered English from French 'risque' or Italian 'rischio' in the 16th–17th century.
'risk' changed from Italian 'rischio' / French 'risque' into English 'risk' by the early 17th century; the adjective 'risky' followed, and the abstract noun 'riskiness' was later formed by the native English suffix '-ness'.
Originally used for specific hazards (often maritime or commercial ventures), the sense broadened to general exposure to loss or harm; 'riskiness' developed as an abstract measure of that exposure.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being risky; the degree to which something is likely to cause loss, harm, or danger.
The riskiness of the venture made investors cautious.
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Noun 2
in finance or statistics, the degree of variability, volatility, or exposure to potential financial loss.
The riskiness of the portfolio increased after the market downturn.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/12 00:42