risk-averse

[/rɪsk əˈvɜrs/]
adjective
avesso ao risco
1. unwilling to take risks; preferring safe options over potentially profitable but uncertain ventures
The risk-averse investor chose government bonds instead of volatile tech stocks.
O investidor avesso ao risco escolheu títulos do governo em vez de ações voláteis de tecnologia.
2. characterized by a preference for certainty and stability, even at the cost of lower potential returns
Her risk-averse personality made her hesitant about starting a new business.
Sua personalidade avessa ao risco a fez hesitante em iniciar um novo negócio.
3. in economics and finance, describing behavior where individuals or organizations avoid uncertain outcomes
Most conservative pension funds maintain a risk-averse portfolio strategy.
A maioria dos fundos de pensão conservadores mantém uma estratégia de carteira avessa ao risco.
In both Brazilian and American business cultures, being 'risk-averse' is often viewed negatively in startup and entrepreneurial contexts, where risk-taking is valorized. However, in traditional finance, banking, and pension fund management, risk-averse behavior is considered prudent and responsible. The term gained prominence during the 2008 financial crisis when conservative investment strategies were reassessed.
NYC Slang
play it safe; not a gambler
Synonyms / Sinônimos
conservativecautiousrisk-consciousprudentsafety-conscious
Antonyms / Antônimos
risk-seekingrisk-tolerantadventurousboldreckless

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
avesso ao risco
Most common and formal usage in Brazilian Portuguese
General Brazilian
propenso a evitar riscos
Alternative formal expression meaning 'prone to avoiding risks'
São Paulo
avesso ao risco
Standard business and finance terminology in corporate contexts
Portugal
avesso ao risco
Same formal translation used in European Portuguese

Related Words

risk tolerancerisk managementconservative investinguncertainty avoidanceloss aversion

Related Idioms & Phrases

playing it safe
better safe than sorry
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
cautious approach
conservative bet
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