jeopardize

USAGE SUMMARY

'jeopardize' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to putting something at risk, especially something significant such as a goal, plan, or relationship. Example: Making impulsive decisions without fully thinking them through can jeopardize our chances of achieving our long-term goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The players wanted to have their heads protected, but as individuals they couldn't afford to jeopardize their effectiveness on the ice.

The Economist

Yet the JIEDDO director, Army Lt Gen John D Johnson, responded that doing so would jeopardize the anti-IED fight in Afghanistan – a position Small said Johnson still holds.

The Guardian

Boxer's cuts would sharply reduce benefits for some and could jeopardize access to care for millions of others, and millions of Americans won't be able to keep the plan or doctor they already have.

The Economist

MSNBC's policy, as reported on MSNBC's website in 2007, says:Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest.

The Economist

A coalition of leading non-governmental organizations claim the changes "jeopardize freedom of expression and freedom of property" and create "an uneven election environment".

The Economist

As Mr Bopp argues, abortion rights thus grounded "would jeopardize all current laws on abortion, such as laws requiring parental involvement for minors, waiting periods, specific informed consent information and so on".

The Economist

But ultimately she determined that the run would not "jeopardize" the work she has done in her district".It was something that I thought about very seriously, and I would not have taken this step if I were not confident that there would be a candidate that could take on the challenge and keep continuing to do the work that we have done in the 4th district," Majette said.

The Economist

As these rates increase, many worry that some of these people will struggle to keep the homes they re-mortgaged.There is an alternative to home equity loans that does not jeopardize home-ownership, and may offer an alternative way to fund retirement:  reverse mortgages.

The Economist

Pickup on South Street (1953), directed by Samuel Fuller, attacked postwar American capitalism; its central character is a man who accidentally acquires a top-secret microfilm but will only part with it for a price, no matter how that may jeopardize the safety of his country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Concerned that shuttle launch delays would jeopardize the assured access to space of high-priority national security satellites, the Air Force in 1985 began a program of buying advanced Titan rockets as "complementary expendable launch vehicles" for its own use.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, because of rivalries between army and navy intelligence offices, which did not want to jeopardize the "security" of their information, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was not given sensitive information about Japan in the months before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jeopardize" when you want to emphasize the potential risk or danger to something important, such as a plan, relationship, or goal.

Common error

While "jeopardize" is a perfectly valid word, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "risk" or "threaten" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Jeopardize functions as a transitive verb, indicating the act of putting something or someone in a dangerous or vulnerable position. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English. It requires a direct object, specifying what is being put at risk.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jeopardize" is a versatile transitive verb that means to put something at risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable word. It is frequently employed in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts to highlight potential dangers or negative consequences. While the word maintains a formal tone, it can be replaced with simpler alternatives in informal conversation. Remember to use "jeopardize" when you want to emphasize the seriousness of the risk. Be sure to choose alternative phrases with caution, such as "put at risk" or "endanger", ensuring they align with the specific tone of your written piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jeopardise

British English spelling of jeopardize

put in jeopardy

Synonymous with "jeopardize", adding slight emphasis to the state of risk.

put at risk

Directly indicates placing something in a vulnerable position.

endanger

Highlights the potential for harm or danger.

imperil

Emphasizes a more formal and serious level of risk.

threaten

Focuses on the potential for future harm.

compromise

Suggests a weakening or damaging effect.

hazard

Implies the presence of a potential danger or obstacle.

menace

Highlights a threatening or potentially harmful presence.

pose a threat to

More verbose way to indicate a potential danger.

FAQs

How do you use "jeopardize" in a sentence?

The word "jeopardize" means to put something or someone in danger. For example: "Making impulsive decisions without fully thinking them through can "jeopardize" our chances of achieving our long-term goals."

What can I say instead of "jeopardize"?

You can use alternatives like "put at risk", "endanger", or "imperil" depending on the context.

Is it correct to spell "jeopardize" as "jeopardise"?

"Jeopardize" and "jeopardise" are both correct, but "jeopardize" is the American English spelling, while "jeopardise" is the British English spelling.

What's the difference between "jeopardize" and "compromise"?

"Jeopardize" means to put something at risk of being lost or harmed, while "compromise" means to weaken or make something less effective. While related, they have distinct meanings.