Risk vs Issue
Risk and issue are two words that are often confused when it comes to their usage as difference between them is not very clear for most of us. The word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance’. On the other hand, the word issue is used in the sense of ‘matter’. This is the main difference between the two words, risk and issue. In a corporate environment, especially when you mean someone is taking a risk that would mean there is a chance of the situation playing out positively as well as negatively. That is why people are much interested in minimizing the risk in any field.
What does Risk mean?
Truly, the word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance.’ However, this chance is associated with negativity. Observe the two sentences given below:
The batsman took a risk in playing that shot.
There are many risks experienced by circus professionals.
In both the sentences, the word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘the batsman took a chance in playing that shot’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘there are many chances experienced by circus professionals’. As risk is associated with negativity the first sentence has the meaning that there was a possibility of the batsman being out if the odds were not in his favour. At the same time, the second sentence has the meaning that the circus professionals take many chances that are truly dangerous. As we all know, they engage in very dangerous activities such as walking on ropes set on high up, jumping through fire, etc. Therefore, in such a context, one would use risk to show that they face a lot of dangerous or negative chances that could bring bad results, if things do not work out. The word risk has its adjectival form in the word ‘risky’, and it is interesting to note that the word risk is used in expressions such as ‘risk-free’, ‘risk zone’ and the like.
What does Issue mean?
The word issue is used in the sense of ‘matter’ or ‘problem.’ Observe the two sentences given below:
It was a serious issue.
The issue was amicably settled.
In both the sentences, the word issue is used in the sense of ‘matter’ and hence, the first sentence can be written as ‘it was a serious matter’, and the second sentence would be rewritten as ‘the matter was amicably settled.’
On the other hand, the word issue is used mainly as a noun. Sometimes, the word issue is used as a verb too in the sense of ‘coming out of’ or ‘serve’ as in the sentences ‘the boss issued a notice to him’. In this sentence, you can see that the word ‘issue’ is used in the sense of ‘serve’ and hence, the meaning of the sentence would be ‘the boss served a notice to him’.
What is the difference between Risk and Issue?
• The word risk is used in the sense of ‘chance’.
• On the other hand, the word issue is used in the sense of ‘matter’. This is the main difference between the two words, namely, risk and issue.
• The meaning chance in risk is associated with negativity.
• Risky is the adjective of risk.
• Risk is used in expression such as risk-free.
• Issue is used as a noun and a verb. As a verb it means ‘coming out of’ or ‘serve.’