risktaker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, slightly formal. Common in business, psychology, and journalism.
Quick answer
What does “risktaker” mean?
A person who is willing to take risks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is willing to take risks; someone who engages in actions with a potential for loss or failure.
An individual whose behaviour or professional strategy is characterised by a deliberate acceptance of uncertainty in pursuit of gain, innovation, or personal challenge. This can apply to entrepreneurs, investors, adventurers, or anyone who consistently chooses high-stakes options.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'risk-taker' (with hyphen) is more common in British English. 'Risktaker' (closed form) is increasingly accepted, especially in American English.
Connotations
Slightly more positive in American business/entrepreneurial contexts, associating with innovation. In British English, it can sometimes carry a slightly more cautionary nuance.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties, with high usage in financial and business media.
Grammar
How to Use “risktaker” in a Sentence
[be] + a + (adj) + risktaker[describe/consider/label] + someone + as + a + risktaker[encourage/reward] + risktakersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “risktaker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company encourages its traders to risk-take within strict limits.
American English
- To innovate in this market, you have to be willing to risk-take.
adjective
British English
- She has a risk-taking attitude that the board admires.
American English
- The fund is known for its risk-taking strategy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to investors, CEOs, or entrepreneurs who pursue aggressive growth strategies.
Academic
Used in psychology (personality traits), economics (behavioural finance), and management studies.
Everyday
Describes someone who makes bold life choices, e.g., in sports, travel, or career moves.
Technical
In finance, a quantitative label for an investor's profile based on portfolio volatility.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “risktaker”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “risktaker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “risktaker”
- Misspelling: 'risktaker' vs. 'risk taker' vs. 'risk-taker'. All are used, but consistency is key. Using it as a verb (*'He risktakes'). Incorrect: 'He is a risktaker person' (redundant). Correct: 'He is a risktaker' or 'He is risk-taking.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly found as one word ('risktaker') or hyphenated ('risk-taker'). The closed form is increasingly standard, especially in American English. 'Risk taker' as two separate words is also seen but is less frequent in edited text.
A 'risktaker' is a broader, more neutral term covering calculated financial, business, or personal risks. A 'daredevil' specifically implies seeking physical danger and thrills, often for entertainment.
Not directly. The noun is 'risktaker' or 'risk-taker'. The corresponding adjective is 'risk-taking' (e.g., a risk-taking attitude). You cannot say 'a risktaker individual'.
No, it is context-dependent. In business innovation, it can be praised. In contexts like safety or conservative investing, it can be viewed as irresponsible. The adjectives 'calculated' or 'reckless' often clarify the evaluation.
A person who is willing to take risks.
Risktaker is usually neutral, slightly formal. common in business, psychology, and journalism. in register.
Risktaker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪskˌteɪ.kə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪskˌteɪ.kɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have a taste for risk”
- “To live on the edge”
- “To throw caution to the wind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a mountain climber taking a RISK to TAKE the peak -> RISKTAKER.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAMBLE (a risktaker is a player). INNOVATION IS A LEAP (a risktaker is a leaper).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'risktaker' MOST likely to be used positively?