calculated risk
B2-C1Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A risk that has been carefully considered and accepted after weighing potential gains against potential losses.
A decision or action taken with full awareness of the dangers involved, but with the expectation that the benefits justify those dangers. Often implies some level of planning or analysis precedes the action.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrase carries a positive or neutral connotation of strategic thinking. It is distinct from a reckless or blind risk, as it emphasizes prior calculation. It can refer to both personal and professional/strategic contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The phrase is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British business/academic discourse, but the difference is minimal.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to take a calculated riska calculated risk that...a calculated risk in + -ingit was a calculated riskVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Nothing ventured, nothing gained (related concept)”
- “Go out on a limb (less calculated)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Launching the product in a new market was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely.
Academic
The researcher took a calculated risk by pursuing an unconventional hypothesis.
Everyday
Leaving my job to start a bakery was a huge calculated risk.
Technical
The engineering design incorporated a calculated risk regarding material stress limits.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She calculated the risk before investing her savings.
- They are carefully calculating the risks involved.
American English
- He calculated the risk of moving cross-country.
- We need to calculate the risk before we proceed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was a risk, but he thought about it first.
- Starting your own business is always a calculated risk.
- The manager took a calculated risk by approving the innovative but untested project.
- Diplomacy often involves taking calculated risks to advance strategic interests, fully cognizant of the potential for backlash.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CALCULATOR weighing RISKS. You press buttons (calculate) before jumping (taking the risk).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/INVESTMENT IS A GAMBLE (but a smart one).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation that implies a 'mathematical calculation' only. The key is 'assessed' or 'deliberate'.
- Do not confuse with 'reckless risk' (безрассудный риск). A 'calculated risk' is осознанный/взвешенный риск.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to describe any risk (must involve prior thought/analysis).
- Confusing it with 'calculated' as an adjective meaning 'deliberate' in a negative sense (e.g., a calculated insult).
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best describes taking a 'calculated risk'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The term describes the process of analysis before action, not the outcome. The risk can still result in failure.
Yes. It can apply to any decision, like changing careers, moving house, or a personal relationship, where pros and cons have been weighed.
All 'calculated risks' are risks, but not all risks are 'calculated'. A 'calculated risk' explicitly implies prior assessment and conscious acceptance of the danger.
Primarily, yes. It functions as a compound noun (e.g., 'take a calculated risk'). The word 'calculated' here is a participial adjective modifying 'risk'.