Learn how to use the comparative “riskier” and superlative “riskiest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “risky”?

The comparative form of “risky” is “riskier”.

Example

Skydiving is riskier than swimming.

Example

Investing in stocks is riskier than putting money in a savings account.

What is the superlative form of “risky”?

The superlative form of “risky” is “riskiest”.

Example

Among all the activities, bungee jumping is considered the riskiest.

Example

Playing with fire is known to be one of the riskiest things you can do.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with risky, riskier, and riskiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more risky' and 'most risky' are not commonly used because they sound awkward. Instead, riskier and riskiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Risky does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Risky → Riskier Superlative: Risky → Riskiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “riskier”

more dangerous

Used to describe something that poses a higher level of risk or danger

Example

Mountaineering is more dangerous than hiking.

hazardous

Referring to something that is filled with risks or potential dangers

Example

Working with toxic chemicals can be hazardous to your health.

perilous

Describing something that is extremely risky or full of peril

Example

Exploring uncharted territories can be perilous.

Expressions with similar meanings to “riskiest”

most dangerous

Similar to riskiest, this emphasizes the highest level of risk or danger

Example

Swimming with sharks is considered the most dangerous activity.

most hazardous

Used to describe the highest level of risk or potential danger

Example

Handling radioactive materials is the most hazardous job in the world.

most perilous

Describing something that is extremely risky or full of peril

Example

Climbing Mount Everest is considered the most perilous expedition.

Using than with comparative “riskier”

When using the comparative form riskier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Skydiving is riskier than swimming." Here, than is used to show that the level of risk in skydiving is greater than the level of risk in swimming.

How can I use this expression in context?

“riskier” and “riskiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Activities

  Rock climbing is riskier than hiking.

  Rock climbing is riskier than hiking.

• 2. Investments

  Investing in startups is considered riskier than investing in established companies.

  Investing in startups is considered riskier than investing in established companies.

• 3. Jobs

  Being a firefighter is one of the riskiest professions.

  Being a firefighter is one of the riskiest professions.

• 4. Health

  Smoking is known to be riskier than not smoking.

  Smoking is known to be riskier than not smoking.

• 5. Decisions

  Choosing to travel during a pandemic is riskier than staying at home.

  Choosing to travel during a pandemic is riskier than staying at home.

Related idioms and phrases

Play with fire

To engage in a dangerous or risky activity.

Example

Investing all your money in one stock is like playing with fire.

Take a gamble

To take a risk or chance on something.

Example

Starting a business is a big gamble, but it could lead to great success.

Walk on thin ice

To be in a risky or dangerous situation.

Example

By not following safety protocols, he was walking on thin ice at work.