risk-averse

comparative more risk-averse · superlative most risk-averse

1. Unwilling to take risks.

   Near-synonyms: conservative; reluctant; cautious

   2 more examples

   The answer, says Mark Smith (The Man in Seat 61) is "to reassure the risk-averse Treasury that prices within a new structure will not be difficult to adjust if calculations to achieve revenue neutrality are out by 2% or whatever. You're not stuck with the prices you implement on Day 1."

   2022 November 30, Anthony Lambert, “Rail fares fit for the 21st century”, in RAIL, number 971, page 40

   Arsenal were untroubled elsewhere, Forest's risk-averse gameplan making it a relatively easy night for their defenders until Awoniyi emerged after being out with injury since October, finally giving them something to think about.

   2024 January 30, Phil McNulty, “Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal: Gunners in title race after they close gap to leaders Liverpool”, in BBC Sport

   Synonyms: conservative, reluctant, cautious · Antonyms: bold, daring, courageous, hearty

2. economicsReluctant to accept a bargain with an uncertain payoff rather than another bargain with a more certain, but possibly lower, expected payoff.