hazard

USAGE SUMMARY

"hazard" is an acceptable and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation with a potential to be dangerous or cause harm. For example: "The hazardous mountainside was no place for a beginner to try skiing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such a failure to legislate would be a moral hazard of such a scale as to confirm, even to many unionists, that the UK government has indeed become corrupted, and that the referendum was won on a lie.

The Guardian - Opinion

While infectious and contagious diseases are the most obvious hazard, it is now recognised that the urban environment also has a major part to play in chronic illness.

The Guardian

Backache is an occupational hazard as a milliner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They do not, however, address the suggested bio-security hazard directly.

The Guardian

As for how safe this makes GM, Baulcombe says: The European roadblock on GM would be appropriate if there were evidence for an intrinsic hazard, but there is not.

The Guardian

"Moral hazard" is one of the key arguments often used against such an approach: allow reckless borrowers a get-out clause, and you give them an incentive to gorge on cheap debt in the good times.

The Guardian - Business

It tells the story of lovable rogue Fletch (Ronnie Barker) – "an habitual criminal who accepts arrest as an occupational hazard" – and his attempts to serve his five-year sentence, keep his nose clean ish) and outwit the system at HMP Slade.

The Guardian

The egg is increasingly being exonerated as a health hazard – the latest findings from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee in the US say that eating foods high in cholesterol may not significantly affect levels of cholesterol in the blood, and hence it has dropped its restrictions on dietary cholesterol.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every prostitute who has left the industry describes the horrendous violence she has faced from pimps and punters, an occupational hazard that characterises this kind of work.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the highly litigious USA, there has been no example for more than 20 years of any harm or legal damages being awarded due to GM crops. The statement that there "is not" any evidence of an intrinsic hazard will be one of the questions I will focus on today.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm just trying to chronicle the number of clues a woman might see each day that say 'You are a bio-hazard'".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential dangers, use "hazard" to clearly identify a source of risk or harm. For example, "The construction site presents several safety hazards."

Common error

Remember that "hazard" is a noun, referring to the danger itself, while "hazardous" is an adjective, describing something that poses a danger. Avoid using "hazard" when you need an adjective, for example, say "hazardous waste", not "hazard waste".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hazard" is as a noun, referring to a danger or risk. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it can also function as a verb, meaning to risk or venture. Examples in Ludwig showcase its usage in various contexts, primarily as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "hazard" functions primarily as a noun denoting a source of danger or risk, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It sees frequent use across diverse contexts, including news, sports, and lifestyle publications. When writing, it's important to distinguish "hazard" (the noun) from "hazardous" (the adjective). Use "hazard" to name the source of danger and be mindful of the specific context to ensure clarity and accuracy. The wealth of examples provided by Ludwig offers useful insights into the nuances of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

danger

A general term for the state of being exposed to harm or risk.

potential risk

Focuses on the possibility of future harm or loss.

inherent danger

Highlights the risk that is naturally part of something.

possible peril

Emphasizes a serious and immediate risk.

exposure to danger

Highlights the state of being unprotected from harm.

element of risk

Suggests a component of uncertainty and potential loss.

source of danger

Identifies the origin of a potential threat.

threat

A more direct expression of potential harm.

menace

Implies a looming and powerful danger.

pitfall

Suggests a hidden or unexpected danger.

FAQs

How to use "hazard" in a sentence?

You can use "hazard" to refer to a source of potential harm or danger. For example, "The broken glass on the floor is a serious hazard".

What are some synonyms for "hazard"?

Alternatives to "hazard" include "danger", "risk", "peril", and "threat" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "hazard" and "risk"?

"Hazard" refers to the source of potential harm, while "risk" is the probability of that harm occurring. For example, a wet floor is a "hazard", and the "risk" is the chance of someone slipping on it.

Is it correct to say "health hazard"?

Yes, "health hazard" is a common and correct phrase used to describe something that poses a threat to one's health. For example, "Smoking is a major health hazard".