security risk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical / Professional
Quick answer
What does “security risk” mean?
A person, thing, or situation that poses a threat to safety, stability, or confidentiality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, thing, or situation that poses a threat to safety, stability, or confidentiality.
An assessment of the potential for harm, danger, or damage to assets, people, or systems, often used in risk management contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is standard in both varieties within professional/technical contexts.
Connotations
Associated strongly with institutional, corporate, and governmental language. Implies a formal process of identification and mitigation.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties in technical, business, and news registers.
Grammar
How to Use “security risk” in a Sentence
[to be/pose/consider] + a security risk + [to someone/something][verb of assessment] + the security risk + [of something/doing something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “security risk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new software could security-risk the entire network.
- They are security-risking the data by using weak passwords.
American English
- The new software could security-risk the entire network.
- They are security-risking the data by using weak passwords.
adjective
British English
- The security-risk assessment must be updated quarterly.
- He was dismissed for security-risk behaviour.
American English
- The security-risk assessment must be updated quarterly.
- He was fired for security-risk behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to vulnerabilities in IT systems, data breaches, or unreliable employees that could harm the company.
Academic
Used in studies of international relations, cybersecurity, criminology, and risk management theory.
Everyday
Used to describe something or someone that might make a place less safe (e.g., a broken lock).
Technical
A quantifiable assessment in cybersecurity, physical security, or personnel vetting, often part of a risk matrix.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “security risk”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “security risk”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “security risk”
- Using 'security risk' as an adjective (e.g., 'He is security risk') instead of 'He is *a* security risk.'
- Confusing 'security risk' with 'safety hazard'—the former emphasises intentional or systemic threats, the latter accidental danger.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it inherently describes a negative potential. It is something to be identified, managed, and mitigated.
Yes. This is common in contexts like government clearance, corporate employment, or espionage, referring to an individual whose actions or associations could compromise security.
'Security risk' typically implies a threat from intentional, malicious, or systemic failures (e.g., hacking, espionage). 'Safety risk' relates to accidental harm or environmental dangers (e.g., a wet floor, faulty wiring).
It is a countable noun. You can have 'a security risk' or 'several security risks'.
A person, thing, or situation that poses a threat to safety, stability, or confidentiality.
Security risk is usually formal / technical / professional in register.
Security risk: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈkjʊər.ə.ti ˌrɪsk/, and in American English it is pronounced /səˈkjʊr.ə.t̬i ˌrɪsk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A security risk of the highest order”
- “To be labelled a security risk”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RISKY guard (SECURITY) who might let danger in. The phrase combines the need for safety (security) with the chance of something bad (risk).
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS A SHIELD, A RISK IS A HOLE IN THE SHIELD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'security risk' LEAST likely to be used?