Term: hazardous
hazardous (adjective): involving risk or danger, especially to someone’s health or safety.
synonyms: dangerous, risky
pronunciation: /ˈhæzədəs/
translation: bīstams, riskants, veselībai kaitīgs
example: The firefighters had to wear specialized suits to enter the building because of the hazardous chemical fumes.
other words from this root: hazard (noun), haphazard (adjective).
Contextual Usage
- Environment: “Hazardous waste” refers to garbage (like batteries, oils, or medical supplies) that can harm the environment if not disposed of correctly.
- Weather: “The icy roads created hazardous driving conditions for the morning commute.”
- Workplace: “Occupational hazards” are risks specifically associated with a certain job, such as falling for a construction worker or strain for a desk worker.
Common Types of Hazards
In safety management, hazards are often categorized to help people identify risks:
| Category | Examples |
| Biological | Viruses, bacteria, mold. |
| Chemical | Cleaning fluids, acids, pesticides. |
| Physical | Noise, radiation, extreme heat. |
| Ergonomic | Poor workstation setup, heavy lifting. |
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
hazardous (adjective)1.
depending on or chance - hazard
2.
involving or exposing one to risk (as of loss or harm) - a hazardous occupation disposing of hazardous waste dangerous
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
hazardous (adjective)involving potential loss or injury
SYNONYMS:
grave, grievous, hazardous, jeopardizing, menacing, parlous, perilous, risky, serious, threatening, unhealthy, unsafe, venturesomeRELATED WORDS:
dicey, insecure, precarious, treacherous, uncertain; ultrahazardous; chance, haphazard, random; distressing, sickening, unpleasant; ugly, wicked; adverse, bad, baleful, baneful, deleterious, detrimental, evil, harmful, hurtful, ill, inimical, injurious, malignant, nasty, noxious, pernicious, pestilent; deadly, deathly, destructive, dire, fatal, fateful, fell, killer, lethal, mortal, murderousNEAR ANTONYMS:
advantageous, beneficial, good; ultrasafe