hazardous - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hazardous Word Meanings
- involving risk or danger
- likely to cause harm or adverse effects
- perilous or unsafe
hazardous Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hazardous Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhæzədəs/
US
/ˈhæzərdəss/
hazardous Word Etymology
Hazardous comes from 'hazard' (risk) + '-ous' (full of). It originated from Middle French 'hasard' and has roots in Arabic 'al-zahr' meaning 'the dice'. Imagine a game of dice where every roll could lead to danger, symbolizing uncertainty.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Hazardous is an adjective used to describe something that could cause harm or injury. It signals risk rather than certainty, making it common in safety guidelines, labeling, and regulation. You might see hazardous substances, hazardous waste, or hazardous conditions in workplaces, laboratories, or during construction. The term often pairs with nouns indicating materials or environments, and it sits near words like dangerous, unsafe, or risky, but with a nuance that emphasizes potential rather than immediate threat. The word comes from hazard plus the suffix -ous, and its etymology traces back to Middle French has ard and ultimately Arabic al-zahr meaning dice, symbolizing chance and uncertainty.
Usage Reminders
- Use hazardous to describe items or conditions with potential harm
- Often appears on safety labels and official documents
- Contrast with dangerous, but both overlap in everyday speech
- Pair with nouns: hazardous + noun (hazardous waste, hazardous materials)
- Be mindful that not all risks are labeled hazardous; consider context and regulations
Common Misconceptions
- Hazardous and dangerous mean exactly the same thing
- Anything risky is automatically hazardous
- Hazardous only applies to chemicals
- If something is hazardous, it must cause immediate harm
- Hazardous is informal and rarely used in safety contexts
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: Hazardous signals risk and potential harm, which helps learners grasp why labels warn about future danger rather than present, immediate threat.
Learning Tips
- Make a list of hazardous items you encounter daily
- Compare hazardous with dangerous in sample sentences
- Learn common collocations: hazardous waste, hazardous materials
- Read safety labels and identify how risk is described
- Watch for context cues that shift potential risk to immediate danger
- Practice rephrasing sentences to emphasize potential harm
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'hazardous'?
A.Dishwasher
B.Dangerous
C.Mop
D.Cozy
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'hazardous' used correctly?
A.The hazardous cat purred softly.
B.She walked her dog on the hazardous sidewalk.
C.He watered the hazardous flowers.
D.The hazardous food was delicious.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'hazardous'?
A.Brave
B.Soothing
C.Soft
D.Safe
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which of the following words is an opposite of 'hazardous'?
A.Risky
B.Uncertain
C.Perilous
D.Secure
Step 5: Mastery
How would you describe a situation as 'hazardous' in real life?
A.Watching TV with friends
B.Reading a book at home
C.Having a picnic in a park
D.Playing with fire in a dry forest
Related Listening
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