is at risk

USAGE SUMMARY

'is at risk' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that has a danger of suffering harm, loss, or failure. For example: "With rising unemployment, the financial security of many families is at risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turkey, too, is at risk.

The Economist

Patient safety is at risk".

Independent

Detroit itself is at risk.

The New York Times - Magazine

Even that is at risk.

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone is at risk.

The New York Times

Who is at risk?

The Guardian

What is at risk?

Harvard Business Review

This is at risk.

The Times

If not, its revenue is at risk.

The New York Times

Now that claim is at risk, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Morocco is at risk of this outcome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is at risk", clearly specify what or who is causing the risk to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just saying "the project is at risk", state "the project is at risk due to budget cuts".

Common error

Avoid stating that something "is at risk" without providing context or specific details about the nature of the risk. Always elaborate on what potential negative outcomes are likely to happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at risk" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state or condition of the subject, indicating that the subject is in a position of potential danger or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, employed to describe the potential for harm, loss, or failure. Examples include "Turkey, too, is at risk" or "Patient safety is at risk".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is at risk" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates potential danger or vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and is observed to be very common, particularly within News & Media. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify the cause and nature of the risk to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "is in danger" or "is threatened" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context. Keep in mind to avoid overgeneralizations when talking about the risk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in danger

This phrase directly replaces "at risk" with "in danger", maintaining the core meaning of potential harm.

is threatened

This alternative focuses on the source of the risk, suggesting an external force causing potential harm.

is jeopardized

This implies that something valuable is being put in a situation where it could be lost or damaged.

is imperiled

This is a more formal and literary way of saying "is in danger", suggesting a serious and imminent threat.

is vulnerable

This highlights the susceptibility to harm, focusing on the inherent weakness or lack of protection.

is exposed

This suggests a lack of cover or defense, making something susceptible to negative impacts.

faces potential harm

This phrase explicitly states the possibility of harm, offering a more descriptive alternative.

is under threat of

This clearly indicates the source of the danger or risk, specifying what is causing the potential harm.

is susceptible to

This points to a predisposition or tendency to be affected negatively by something.

hangs in the balance

This idiom suggests that the outcome is uncertain and dependent on various factors, implying a high level of risk.

FAQs

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

Use "is at risk" to indicate that someone or something is in a situation where they could be harmed or fail. For example: "The patient's health "is at risk" due to the infection".

What are some alternatives to saying "is at risk"?

You can use phrases like "is in danger", "is threatened", or "is jeopardized" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "is at risk" or "is at stake"?

"Is at risk" generally refers to a potential for harm or loss, while "is at stake" refers to something that can be won or lost, implying a higher value or importance. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Who or what can be described as "is at risk"?

Anything that can potentially suffer harm, loss, or failure can be described as "is at risk". This includes people, animals, objects, systems, or even abstract concepts like freedom or democracy.