risk-averse

[risk-uh-vurs]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

reluctant to take risks; tending to avoid risks as much as possible.
risk-averse entrepreneurs.
of or noting a person who invests in stocks, bonds, etc., with lower risks and generally lower rates of return so as to minimize the possibility of financial loss.
risk-averse investors who stick with government bonds.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of risk-averse¹

First recorded in 1960–65; risk ( def. ) + averse ( def. )

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In a society where many leaders are risk-averse, conservative and conflict-shy by nature, the temptation to “just drop the language” is strong.

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"Unions don't typically support insurgent or long-shot candidates. They're risk-averse, and there is considerable risk in not supporting a powerful, vindictive politician who might try to harm your members if he wins."

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Twelve years out from “Fruitvale Station,” with two major franchises under his belt and a surefire hit of an original film raking in the dough, Coogler’s story beckons other young filmmakers to try their hand at shaking up an industry set in its safe, risk-averse, white ways.

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A former Fox 2000 exec, he grasps the ways conglomeratization has made studios risk-averse in recent years.

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The Coachella payment plan is a financially sound, risk-averse option for those already planning to attend.

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risk risk aversion

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