jeopardy

/ˈdʒɛpərdi/

/ˈdʒɛpədi/

Other forms: jeopardies

To be in jeopardy is to be in danger. Eating three plates of nachos a day may improve your chances of winning your office's nacho-eating contest; unfortunately, it could also put your health in jeopardy.

Jeopardy is a state of being, so this word is almost always preceded by the preposition "in." The phrase "in jeopardy" is just one of several ways to convey that someone is in trouble. You can also try "at risk," "in danger," or — if you're into idioms — "on thin ice," "out on a limb," or "up the creek without a paddle."

Definitions of jeopardy

1. noun

   a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
   synonyms: endangerment, hazard, peril, risk

   types:

   health hazard

   hazard to the health of those exposed to it

   moral hazard

   (economics) the lack of any incentive to guard against a risk when you are protected against it (as by insurance)

   occupational hazard

   any condition of a job that can result in illness or injury

   sword of Damocles

   a constant and imminent peril

   biohazard

   hazard to humans or the environment resulting from biological agents or conditions

   type of:

   danger

   a cause of pain or injury or loss