jeopardy
C1Formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
The danger of loss, harm, or failure.
A situation where something valuable is at risk; a state of peril or hazard. In legal contexts, being at risk of conviction or punishment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a serious risk, not a trivial one. Frequently used in the prepositional phrase 'in jeopardy.' Abstract noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Formal, serious; often used in news, legal, and business contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the popular game show 'Jeopardy!', but usage in the language is equivalent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP be in ~ (of NP)NP put NP in ~Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “double jeopardy (legal principle)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The merger put hundreds of jobs in jeopardy.
Academic
The integrity of the research was in jeopardy due to methodological flaws.
Everyday
If we don't leave now, our chances of getting tickets are in serious jeopardy.
Technical
The patient was in legal jeopardy regarding their right to refuse treatment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The scandal could jeopardise his career.
- Don't jeopardise our chances by arriving late.
American English
- The scandal could jeopardize his career.
- Don't jeopardize our chances by arriving late.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'jeopardous', which is archaic and not used.)
American English
- N/A (The adjective form is 'jeopardous', which is archaic and not used.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad weather put our picnic in jeopardy.
- His injury puts his place on the team in jeopardy.
- The company's future is in jeopardy due to the ongoing investigation.
- The ambassador's gaffe placed the delicate peace negotiations in grave jeopardy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'jeopard' (archaic for 'risk') -y (state or condition). The state of being at risk.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS A PLACE (e.g., 'in jeopardy', 'out of danger').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'adventure' (приключение). The core meaning is 'risk/danger' (риск/опасность), not excitement.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to jeopardy something' is incorrect; the verb is 'jeopardise/jeopardize').
- Confusing 'in jeopardy' with 'in danger of' - 'jeopardy' is a higher-register noun.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct meaning of 'jeopardy'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is more common in formal, news, and professional contexts than in casual conversation.
The verb is 'jeopardise' (British English) or 'jeopardize' (American English).
No, it inherently describes a negative, risky situation.
It is a legal principle that prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime.
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