Definition ∞ A risk-to-earn model describes an economic framework within decentralized applications where users undertake specific risks to potentially gain financial rewards. This often involves staking assets, providing liquidity, or participating in ventures where capital is exposed to market volatility or protocol specific risks. The potential return is typically proportional to the assumed risk level.
Context ∞ Crypto news frequently discusses risk-to-earn models in the context of DeFi protocols, yield farming, and GameFi incentives. Projects often design these models to encourage user participation and capital contribution to their ecosystems. Understanding the inherent risks and potential returns is crucial for participants engaging with these digital asset opportunities.