a risky appointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a risky appointment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a job or position that involves a significant level of uncertainty or potential negative consequences. Example: "Taking on the role of CEO during a financial crisis is certainly a risky appointment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But it is a risky appointment.

The Guardian

The people who should get credit are the ones who thought of him to do the job because it was quite a risky appointment.

The Guardian

The Spaniard – a newcomer to English football �� was considered something of a risky appointment by the club, though not as daring as their transfer policy over the summer.

The Guardian - Sport

The fiery Georgian Saakashvili was always a risky appointment for Poroshenko, who tossed him into Odessa like a hand grenade in the hope he would take on the president's enemies and provide a rare success in Ukraine's battle against corruption.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He showed that he could be audaciously hawkish when necessary in approving the raid to kill Osama bin Laden, and courageously dovish in his risky appointment of Chuck Hagel as defense secretary, defying the Israel lobby.

Huffington Post

The diplomat, who keeps one eye on Westminster politics, described Johnson's appointment as a risky move that had the potential to backfire badly.

The Guardian

International reaction has also been critical, with a New York Times editorial describing Lieberman's appointment as a "risky and cynical" move and saying it is now "entirely possible to imagine Israel's relations in the region and beyond moving backward".

The Guardian

His appointment was bound to be a risky undertaking, and MacLennan must take the heat for that.

The Guardian

Secondly, and more importantly, Obama is making a recess appointment when the Senate isn't technically in recess -- a risky step that could spark a court challenge.

Huffington Post

That makes a risky business even riskier.

The Economist

A risky club, certainly.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a leadership position that carries significant potential for failure, use "a risky appointment" to highlight the inherent dangers and uncertainties involved. For example, "Hiring a new CEO during a financial crisis is often a risky appointment".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the level of risk associated with the appointment. While it's important to acknowledge potential downsides, ensure your description remains objective and doesn't unnecessarily alarm the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a risky appointment" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "risky" modifies the noun "appointment". As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly describes a situation with potentially negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a risky appointment" is a phrase used to describe a situation where someone is selected for a position with a high degree of uncertainty or potential for failure. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and is suitable for both formal and informal communication. While its usage is rare, the phrase effectively conveys the inherent dangers and uncertainties involved in the described situation. Alternatives include phrases like "a chancy assignment" or "a precarious nomination".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chancy assignment

Replaces "risky" with "chancy" and "appointment" with "assignment" maintaining a similar meaning.

a precarious nomination

Substitutes "risky" with "precarious" and "appointment" with "nomination" indicating a similarly uncertain situation.

a hazardous selection

Replaces "risky" with "hazardous" and "appointment" with "selection" emphasizing the danger or risk involved.

an adventurous assignment

Replaces "risky" with "adventurous" suggesting a bold but potentially dangerous undertaking.

a bold selection

Replacing "risky" with "bold" reduces the negative connotation, focusing on the courage involved in the decision.

a questionable choice

Changing to "questionable choice" focuses on the uncertainty and potential for criticism.

an uncertain placement

Swapping to "uncertain placement" highlights the instability and unpredictability of the situation.

a gamble

Using "a gamble" simplifies the phrase, emphasizing the high-stakes nature of the appointment.

a strategic risk

Focuses on the potential benefits that might outweigh the dangers, framing the appointment as a calculated risk.

a high-stakes decision

Moves away from the direct concept of an appointment, emphasizing the significance and potential consequences of the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "a risky appointment" in a sentence?

You can use "a risky appointment" to describe a situation where someone is chosen for a position that involves a high degree of uncertainty or potential failure. For example, "Selecting an unproven candidate for the lead role was "a risky appointment"".

What are some alternatives to "a risky appointment"?

Some alternatives to "a risky appointment" include "a chancy assignment", "a precarious nomination", or "a hazardous selection". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a risky appointment" formal or informal?

"A risky appointment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's most commonly found in news and media. The level of formality is generally neutral.

What makes an appointment "a risky appointment"?

An appointment is considered "a risky appointment" when there are significant uncertainties about the appointee's ability to succeed, or when the position itself is inherently unstable or fraught with challenges.