unexpected risks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected risks" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase refers to potential dangers or negative consequences that are not expected or anticipated. Example: It is important for businesses to have contingency plans in place to deal with unexpected risks that may arise.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The unexpected risks limit the applicability of speed control.

Powder Technology

We need sophisticated systems that will act as insurance plans against unexpected risks.

The New York Times

With the suggested adjustment time, unexpected risks are avoided and the belt conveyor shows an appropriate dynamic behavior.

Powder Technology

She said the tragedy served as a warning about the "unexpected risks" of small children eating grapes.

Independent

A strategy for execution must provide concrete guidance while leaving managers with enough flexibility to seize novel opportunities, mitigate unexpected risks, and adapt to local conditions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Another reason is that historically, the leap from experiments in animals to humans has been fraught with unexpected risks, even after extensive testing in animals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

| An unexpected risk in stock trading.

The New York Times

I hope I am wrong about the unexpected risk this small Tory majority might pose.

The Guardian

The Canada Goose clothing brand may produce some of the most fashionable — and expensive — winter coats, but they come with an unexpected risk: mugging.

The Times

In addition, if these parameters are determined incorrectly, unexpected risk occurs such as the decrease in the tunnel stability or economic loss due to excessive amount of supports.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

As re-decking is relatively a rare and unknown construction event for a Cable Bridge, unexpected risk event and uncertainty would be associated with complex engineering manoeuvring during the re-decking of the bridge.

Transportation Research Procedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In risk assessment documents, clearly define what constitutes an "unexpected risk" within the specific context. Provide examples relevant to the industry or situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid categorizing easily foreseeable risks as "unexpected risks". This dilutes the term's meaning and can undermine the credibility of your risk assessment. Focus on genuine, unforeseen possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected risks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It identifies unforeseen potential dangers or negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

40%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected risks" effectively communicates the idea of unforeseen potential dangers or negative consequences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in science, news media, and academia. While alternatives like "unforeseen hazards" or "unpredicted dangers" exist, "unexpected risks" maintains a versatile and widely understood meaning. When writing, remember to focus on risks that are genuinely unforeseen, rather than overlooking common pitfalls and mislabeling them as "unexpected risks".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen hazards

Emphasizes the unanticipated nature and potential danger, slightly stronger connotation of immediate threat.

unpredicted dangers

Highlights the inability to foresee the dangers, focusing on the lack of prediction.

unanticipated perils

Uses a more formal and literary term for danger, suggesting a significant and potentially unavoidable threat.

unforeseen contingencies

Shifts the focus to the planning aspect, implying that these risks were not accounted for in advance.

surprise threats

Highlights the element of surprise, suggesting the risks appear suddenly and unexpectedly.

uncalculated exposures

Focuses on the level of potential harm, emphasizing the exposure and that the related impact was not calculated.

unanticipated complications

Indicates that the risks lead to difficulty and intricacy, focusing on the resulting issues.

latent dangers

Describes risks that are present but not yet realized or active, focusing on their hidden nature.

hidden pitfalls

Uses a metaphor to describe unexpected risks as traps, suggesting they are easy to fall into without realizing.

unexpected setbacks

Focuses on the impact of the risks as delaying or hindering progress, changing the overall negative consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected risks" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpected risks" to describe potential problems that were not anticipated. For example: "The project faced several "unexpected risks" due to the volatile market conditions."

What are some alternatives to "unexpected risks"?

Alternatives to "unexpected risks" include "unforeseen hazards", "unpredicted dangers", or "unanticipated perils". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "unexpected risks" and "potential risks"?

"Potential risks" are risks that are known and anticipated, while "unexpected risks" are those that were not foreseen or considered in advance. Recognizing both is important for comprehensive risk management.

When should I use "unexpected risks" instead of "unforeseen risks"?

The phrases "unexpected risks" and "unforeseen risks" are largely interchangeable. However, "unexpected" might imply a higher degree of surprise, while "unforeseen" emphasizes the inability to anticipate the risk.