Risk

The possibility of loss; the uncertainty of future returns.

According to modern investment theory, the greater the risk you take in making an investment, the greater your return has the potential to be if the investment succeeds.

For example, investing in a startup company carries substantial risk, since there is no guarantee that it will be profitable. But if it is, you're in a position to realize a greater gain than if you had invested a similar amount in an already established company.

As a rule of thumb, if you are unwilling to take at least some investment risk, you are likely to limit your investment return. For example, if you put your money into an insured bank deposit, which protects your principal, your real rate of return is unlikely to exceed inflation over an extended period.

The possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger.

1. The chance of being exposed to an infectious agent by its specific transmission mechanism.
2. The chance of becoming infected if exposed to an infectious agent by its specific transmission mechanism.

The likelihood of a defined hazard being realized, which is the product of two probabilities: the probability of exposure, P(E) , and the probability of the hazard resulting given that exposure has occurred, P(H/E) ( R = P(E) x P(H/E)).

The likelihood of suffering a detrimental effect as a result of exposure to a hazard.

The estimated probability of injury, loss, or detriment. A measure of the deleterious effects that may be expected as the result of an action or inaction.

The relationship between the consequences resulting from an adverse event and its probability of occurrence. The potential for losing credibility, failing to solve a problem, or getting hurt. The ability to describe potential outcomes using historic probability. The likelihood or chance of an unacceptable event occurring.

The level of impact on agency operations (including mission, functions, image, or reputation), agency assets, or individuals resulting from the operation of an information system given the potential impact of a threat and the likelihood of that threat occurring.

1. The possibility that a particular threat will exploit a particular vulnerability of a data processing system. [2382-pt.8] 2. The likelihood that a successful attack will be mounted against a computer system. Risk is a function of both vulnerability and threat [CESG].