at risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at risk" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is in danger or exposed to harm or loss. Example: "The children living in poverty are at risk of not receiving a proper education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Putting everything at risk.

The New Yorker

Is "history at risk"?

The New Yorker

A partnership at risk?

The Economist

Adolescents are especially at risk.

The New York Times

Turkey, too, is at risk.

The Economist

Patient safety is at risk".

Independent

Children are especially at risk.

The Economist

Bikers themselves are at risk.

The New Yorker

"I've put capital at risk.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

O'Malley mentioned at-risk kids.

The New York Times

Children are most at-risk.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at risk", clearly specify what the subject is at risk of. Vague usage weakens the statement. For instance, instead of saying "The project is at risk", specify "The project is at risk of failing due to budget cuts".

Common error

Avoid overusing "at risk" in contexts where the danger is minimal or hypothetical. Reserve it for situations with significant potential negative outcomes, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at risk" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is in a state of potential danger or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that someone or something is in danger or exposed to harm or loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at risk" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of potential danger or vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Analysis of usage data shows that it appears most frequently in news and media, often to inform about potential threats or negative outcomes. When using this phrase, it's best practice to specify the risk, avoiding vague statements. While alternatives like "in danger" or "vulnerable" exist, "at risk" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in danger

Focuses more directly on the presence of immediate peril.

endangered

Often used when referring to species or things facing extinction or complete loss.

vulnerable

Emphasizes a state of susceptibility to harm or negative consequences.

in jeopardy

Suggests a situation where something valuable is threatened with loss or damage.

threatened

Highlights the presence of a specific threat or source of danger.

exposed

Indicates a lack of protection or defense against potential harm.

susceptible

Focuses on an inherent predisposition to be affected negatively.

in harm's way

Implies being situated where harm is likely to occur.

on the line

Indicates that something is at stake and could be lost.

precarious

Highlights the instability and uncertainty of a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "at risk" in a sentence?

Use "at risk" to describe a state of potential danger or vulnerability. For example, "Children living in poverty are "at risk" of malnutrition", or "The company is "at risk" of bankruptcy if sales don't improve".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "at risk"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in danger", "vulnerable", "in jeopardy", or "threatened".

Is it better to say "at risk of" or "at risk from"?

Both "at risk of" and "at risk from" are grammatically correct, but "at risk of" is generally more common. "At risk of" is used to indicate the potential negative outcome, while "at risk from" specifies the source of the danger. For example: "at risk of failing" vs "at risk from cyberattacks."

What does it mean when someone is described as "at-risk"?

The term "at-risk" describes individuals or groups who face a higher probability of experiencing negative outcomes, such as academic failure, poverty, or health problems. The term "at-risk" can be used as an adjective, while the phrase "at risk" functions as an adjectival phrase, where "risk" is a noun.