A condition in which there is a possibility of an adverse deviation from a desired outcome that is expected or hoped for.

• A. Hazard
• B. Probability
• C. Uncertainty
• D. Risk

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is risk—the chance that a plan will not unfold as hoped and that negative results could occur. Risk captures not just that something might go wrong, but that there is a potential deviation from the desired outcome with real consequences. It’s forward-looking and involves both how likely the adverse deviation is and how severe its impact would be, which is why it’s the best fit for the statement.

A hazard is more about a source of potential harm, not the deviation from an outcome itself. Probability refers to the likelihood of an event occurring but doesn’t by itself connect that likelihood to a resulting outcome or its impact. Uncertainty is about not knowing what will happen, rather than the present possibility of a harmful deviation with a known or assessable impact.