decision is risky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decision is risky" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential dangers or uncertainties associated with a particular choice or decision-making process. Example: "Investing in the stock market can be profitable, but it's important to remember that any decision is risky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Merkel's third decision is risky.

The New York Times

The decision is risky because 3 is also allowing customers to tether, a process that involves using a mobile phone as a broadband modem for a laptop or personal computer.

The New York Times - Tech

To be sure, the decision is risky for Cowell as well.

Forbes

Consistent with empirical evidence, this human capital investment decision is risky.

Journal of Public Economics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The decision was risky, but it seemed to work.

The New Yorker

Dr. Rozenblit acknowledged that his decision was risky, in part because it forced him to cede some control over the trajectory of his business.

The New York Times

Lifestyle decisions are risky because they don't come with giant red arrows pointing the way, which for many of us, makes these types of decisions scary because the worthiness of our decisions are assessed less on our preparedness, our courage, and our intentions, and more on the outcome of our decisions; in other words, whether we succeed or fail.

Huffington Post

Using this information as a basis for managerial decision making is risky, though, if stated preferences diverge from actual choices.

Journal of Consumer Psychology

Yet this decision is also risky.

The Economist

Mr. Quattrone's decision to take the stand is risky.

The New York Times

Related to cost motivations and decision-making factors, there is also a broad concern that making clinical decisions based on procedure costs is risky and may have negative outcomes for medical tourists and their health [ 39].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "decision is risky", clearly articulate the specific risks involved to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the risk associated with a decision. Ensure your assessment is based on evidence and sound reasoning, not hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decision is risky" functions as a declarative statement expressing an assessment of a particular choice. It communicates that the decision carries a significant degree of uncertainty and potential for negative consequences. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely used in both news articles and academic papers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decision is risky" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a particular choice carries a significant possibility of negative outcomes. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, followed by scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate the specific risks involved. Alternatives include "choice involves risk" or "option carries risks". Be careful not to overstate the risk without justification. The phrase serves to caution and inform the audience about potential downsides of a decision. Due to its nature and function, it has a generally neutral connotation and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choice involves risk

Highlights the inherent risk associated with a particular choice, changing the focus from the decision itself to the act of choosing.

option carries risks

Emphasizes the risks are a characteristic of the option itself, rather than the decision to pursue it.

course of action is perilous

Uses a stronger term, "perilous", to suggest a higher level of danger associated with the course of action.

venture is fraught with danger

Implies that the undertaking is filled with potential hazards and difficulties.

pathway is uncertain

Focuses on the lack of predictability and potential for unforeseen consequences.

gamble involves uncertainty

Highlights the speculative aspect of the decision, emphasizing the unknown outcome.

move is fraught with peril

Similar to 'course of action is perilous' but refers to a specific move or action.

judgment is hazardous

Indicates that the judgment itself carries a high degree of danger.

step is chancy

Suggests that the step is heavily dependent on luck or chance, rather than careful planning.

strategy is precarious

Describes the strategy as unstable and liable to collapse or fail.

FAQs

What does it mean when a decision is described as "risky"?

When a "decision is risky", it means that the choice carries a significant possibility of negative consequences or failure. The potential downsides are considerable and should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.

How can I determine if a "decision is risky"?

Assess the potential outcomes and their probabilities. If the negative outcomes are severe or have a high likelihood of occurring, then the "decision is risky". Consider consulting experts or gathering more information to better evaluate the risks.

What are some alternatives to saying "decision is risky"?

You can use alternatives like "choice involves risk", "option carries risks", or "course of action is perilous" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between a "risky" decision and a "difficult" decision?

Yes, a "difficult" decision may involve complex factors and trade-offs, but a "risky" decision specifically implies a high probability of negative outcomes. A difficult decision might not necessarily be risky, and vice versa.