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Is there some word/term/phrase for a person who takes risks or just tries (something) without worrying about the failures just because he/she doesn't want to give up without trying?

Risk-taker might be a potential candidate for such a word but I don't think it is apt enough.

Getting into Oxford isn't a piece of a cake by any means, as it is world's top ranked university; but Oxford couldn't resist this __________ lad, who didn't want to wonder all his life whether he could have secured admission.

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    Why is risk-taker not apt enough?
    – user66974
    Sep 11, 2017 at 11:57
  • I would say they're a "slogan-writer".
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 11, 2017 at 12:29
  • Please give us an example sentence.
    – Davo
    Sep 11, 2017 at 13:32
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    @Josh: risk-taker by itself implies a focus on them willingly taking risks, in the sense that they tend to play fast and loose (compared to slow and calculated). Which seems to be different from OP's focus, which is more about not being hesitant (i.e. "better do something than do nothing"), taking a risk only when no surefire approach exists.
    – Flater
    Sep 11, 2017 at 14:29
  • I think it depends on the context, really, in terms of what is at risk. This behaviour in a surgeon would be reckless, whereas the same behaviour in someone building a hobby woodwork project in their garage might be optimistic or adventurous.
    – Max Williams
    Sep 11, 2017 at 15:36

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Getting into Oxford isn't a piece of a cake by any means, as it is world's top ranked university; but Oxford couldn't resist this plucky lad, who didn't want to wonder all his life whether he could have secured admission.

From MW:

Plucky

spirited, brave

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  • According to Grammarly, it means Having or showing pluck, courage or spirit in trying circumstances. I don't think it fits well either. It falls more towards brave/courageous but I want some word/phrase for someone who doesn't give up without trying irrespective of how difficult the task may seem.
    – Tarun
    Sep 14, 2017 at 3:41
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Daring might be the word you're looking for.

Daring

venturesomely bold in action or thought

Alternatively, venturesome itself might also do the trick...

Venturesome

Inclined to court or incur risk or danger

...But personally, my choice would be Audacious, as it encompasses the other two quite well.

Audacious

intrepidly daring

(all definitions from MW)

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