looming risk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looming risk" is a common expression in written English and can be used in various contexts.
For example, you could say, "The looming risk of a global pandemic is a serious concern for public health officials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

For landlords, these numbers represent a financial drain of unpaid rent; for tenants, a looming risk of losing their homes.

The New York Times

Eventually, they will go head-to-head with law firms.So far, law firms have been sanguine about this looming risk.

The Economist

One looming risk, however, is that Gazprom, the gas monopoly, will raise domestic prices for natural gas before the electricity market is fully liberalized, squeezing the profits of the electricity companies and their new owners.

The New York Times

As a senior American team arrived in Beijing on Sunday for climate talks, the standoff was taking on the trappings of cold-war arms control negotiations, with gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions replacing megatons of nuclear might as a looming risk for people across the globe.

The New York Times

But they said the countries bound by the 1973 bear agreement would be unable, without worldwide cooperation, to address the looming risk to the species: the prospect that global warming from emissions of greenhouse gases would continue to erode the sheath of Arctic sea ice that the half-ton bears roam in pursuit of seals.

The New York Times - Science

It's shorthand for leaders who fail to grasp a pattern of some looming risk.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It's chock full of looming risks.

The Economist

Political leaders and senior Federal Reserve officials attended, and the subject was looming risks to the financial system.

The New York Times

After years of spectacular economic growth, China's economy has been showing signs of weakening this year, and economists are warning about looming risks in the banking industry.

The New York Times

For example, traders say, it will be tricky for regulators to define what constitutes a proprietary trade as opposed to a reasonable hedge against looming risks.

The New York Times

11 26 p.m. | Updated below | The failure of Congress to take meaningful steps on debt and taxes, yet again, is reminiscent of society's treatment of other looming risks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "looming risk" with data or evidence to support the claim, increasing the perceived validity and importance of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "looming risk" as a generic warning without specifying the actual risk. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact, especially if the threat isn't clearly defined or supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looming risk" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "looming" modifies the noun "risk". It highlights the imminent nature of a potential threat or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looming risk" is a commonly used expression to describe a potential danger or problem that is likely to occur soon. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news articles, business reports, and other publications. While similar phrases like "impending danger" or "approaching threat" can be used, "looming risk" emphasizes the imminence and significance of the threat. To maximize its impact, it’s crucial to clearly define the risk and provide supporting evidence. This phrase has a neutral register and, though most common in news and media, is perfectly appropriate in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending danger

Replaces "risk" with a stronger term "danger" and "looming" with "impending", suggesting a more immediate threat.

approaching threat

Focuses on the idea of the threat getting closer, using "approaching" instead of "looming".

emerging peril

Replaces "risk" with "peril", highlighting a grave and imminent danger.

oncoming hazard

Uses "oncoming" to describe an unavoidable danger

gathering storm

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey a sense of building danger or trouble.

impending hazard

Emphasizes that hazard will happen sooner rather than later

brewing crisis

Implies that a crisis is developing or about to erupt, similar to a "looming risk".

building threat

Emphasizes how a risk or potential threat is getting stronger over time. Focus on a problem.

gathering momentum

Emphasizes how a risk or potential threat is getting stronger over time. Focus on a problem.

growing concern

Downplays the imminent sense of danger implied by “looming”, and instead conveys a sense of escalating anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "looming risk" to describe potential problems or dangers that are likely to occur in the near future. For example, "The "looming risk of inflation" is concerning economists."

What are some alternatives to "looming risk"?

Alternatives include "impending danger", "approaching threat", or "emerging peril". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "looming risk" formal or informal?

"Looming risk" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in news articles, business reports, and academic papers. Its formality is neutral.

What's the difference between "looming risk" and "potential risk"?

"Looming risk" suggests that the risk is more immediate and likely to occur, while "potential risk" implies a possibility that may or may not materialize. "Looming" adds a sense of imminence.