adventurous

USAGE SUMMARY

'adventurous' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is willing to take risks or try new experiences or activities. For example, you could say "John loves to try new things, he's an adventurous person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cruise is geared towards adventurous outdoorsy types who want to kayak to remote beaches and giant waterfalls, but appreciate a massage when they get back.

The Guardian - Travel

It's place where you can do quite adventurous exhibitions, where the mindset is very open to show things you wouldn't see anywhere else".

The Guardian

But Apfel has seized the imagination not as a couture fashion plate but as an example to a free-spirited, adventurous New York mindset that, these days, seems in danger of getting lost beneath the anodyne beauty of a Manhattan aesthetic that worships cosmetic dentistry and blow-drying above individuality or creativity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was an inspirational colleague, an adventurous field-worker, a lover of life, a loyal friend and a superb cook.

The Guardian

The film attempts to get some things right: its glorious South African locations were filmed by the adventurous director Geoffrey Barkas, and Lobengula is played by Ndaniso Kumala, who was, according to reports at the time, the real Lobengula's nephew.

The Guardian - Film

Kemp has been commissioned by the adventurous art group Artangel to create a piece which explores the problems and issues men face when they get old.

The Guardian

Against all financial odds, the UK dance scene is still thriving; it is creative and adventurous, improvisatory and eccentric.

The Guardian

Even landing at St Mary's feels adventurous.

The Guardian - Travel

Here, the fun includes robotic beds travelling around galleries, as well as two new slides snaking down the outside of the building; plus, for the truly adventurous, flying machines installed on the roof.

The Guardian - Arts

This outward-looking and adventurous approach greatly influenced our decision to create a cross-arts series New Moves, which launched in 2010.

The Guardian - Music

The nightwatchman Bryan Strang was soon dismissed as he tried to strike Tufnell down the ground but adventurous half-centuries from Waller and Whittall carried the fight impressively.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "adventurous" to highlight their proactive engagement with novelty and risk. For instance, instead of saying someone "likes to travel", describe them as an "adventurous traveler" to convey their enthusiasm for exploring the unknown.

Common error

Avoid using "adventurous" as a simple synonym for "interesting" or "fun". Reserve it for situations where risk-taking, exploration, or a departure from the norm are genuinely involved. Otherwise, opt for more precise adjectives to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "adventurous" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective, describing nouns to indicate a willingness to take risks and explore new experiences. Ludwig examples show it is used to describe people, activities, and even approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "adventurous" describes a willingness to take risks and explore new experiences. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle contexts, indicating its relevance to describing people, activities, and attitudes. To avoid overuse, remember it's best applied when risk-taking or exploration is genuinely involved. Alternative words include "daring" and "venturesome", each carrying slight nuances. Ludwig's examples highlight the term's versatility and positive connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daring

Focuses more on the boldness and courage required, emphasizing a proactive approach to risk.

venturesome

Highlights the willingness to undertake new and potentially risky ventures.

enterprising

Emphasizes initiative and resourcefulness in pursuing novel opportunities.

exploratory

Focuses on the act of investigating and discovering new territories or ideas.

audacious

Suggests a willingness to take bold risks, sometimes even recklessly.

intrepid

Implies fearlessness and determination in the face of danger or difficulty.

bold

Simple and direct, highlighting courage and a willingness to take risks.

resourceful

Highlights the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties and embrace new opportunities.

pioneering

Emphasizes innovation and being among the first to explore new areas or methods.

unconventional

Highlights a departure from traditional norms and a willingness to try new things.

FAQs

How can I use "adventurous" in a sentence?

You can use "adventurous" to describe a person ("She is an adventurous traveler"), an activity ("They planned an adventurous hike"), or a quality ("He has an adventurous spirit").

What's the difference between "adventurous" and "daring"?

"Adventurous" implies a willingness to explore new or unknown experiences, while "daring" suggests boldness and courage in facing risks or challenges. Although related, "daring" emphasizes bravery, whereas "adventurous" highlights exploration.

Which is the best alternative to "adventurous"?

The best alternative depends on the context. If you want to emphasize the willingness to take risks, consider "venturesome" or "daring". If you want to highlight the innovative aspect, "enterprising" or "pioneering" might be more appropriate.

Is it correct to describe food as "adventurous"?

Yes, you can describe food as "adventurous" if it involves unusual ingredients, novel cooking methods, or exotic flavors. This usage conveys that trying the food is a unique or daring experience.