DadgogoAI Dictionary

Dictionary entry

existential risk

noun \ˌeg-zi-ˈsten(t)-shəl ˈrisk\

also x-risk

TopicSafety & Ethics Senses1
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Definition of existential risk

  1. : the possibility that advanced AI could cause human extinction or permanently and drastically limit humanity's future

    • Hundreds of researchers signed a statement calling AI an existential risk.
    • Critics say focusing on x-risk distracts from present-day harms.

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Related terms

p(doom) (informal) a person's estimated probability that AI will lead to catastrophic outcomes for… AI safety the field concerned with making AI systems behave as intended and avoid causing harm, from… artificial superintelligence hypothetical AI that is far more capable than the best humans in nearly every field, including… doomer (often dismissive) a person who believes advanced AI is likely to cause catastrophe and argues… recursive self-improvement a scenario in which an AI system improves its own design, and each improved version gets…

Cite this entry

"Existential risk." AI Dictionary, Dadgogo, https://dadgogo.com/dictionary/existential-risk/. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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