What type of risk involves potential loss without the possibility of profit?

The type of risk that involves potential loss without the possibility of profit is pure risk. This category of risk is characterized by situations that can only lead to loss or no change, and where the outcomes are either negative or neutral, but never positive. Common examples include risks related to natural disasters, accidents, and theft. These are risks that individuals and businesses face and seek to manage, often through insurance coverage, since they cannot be mitigated through profit-making activities.

In contrast, speculative risk involves situations where there is a potential for both loss and gain, making it more complex as it encompasses entrepreneurial ventures and investments. Insurable risk typically refers to risk that can be covered by an insurance policy, often requiring characteristics that can be evaluated, while particular risk refers to risks that affect a specific individual or entity rather than a larger population. Understanding the distinction between these types of risks is essential in risk management and insurance practices.