nonfatal

adjective

non·​fa·​tal ˌnän-ˈfā-tᵊl 

: not causing death : not fatal

nonfatal infections

a nonfatal wound

Examples of nonfatal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Niemeier also reported a slight increase in nonfatal shootings this year. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

Rabies is nearly 100% fatal if left untreated but is almost certainly nonfatal with a series of five shots. — Madonna Deverson, NBC news, 30 June 2026

In an update Thursday morning, Fairfield police said the three surviving victims suffered nonfatal gunshot wounds. — Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026

Homicide and nonfatal shooting totals fell again in 2023, but the city was roiled by robbery and carjacking crews responsible for an overall uptick in violence. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonfatal

• postnatal
• prenatal
• antenatal
• hiatal
• neonatal
• perinatal
• datal
• fatal

Medical Definition

nonfatal

adjective

non·​fa·​tal -ˈfāt-ᵊl 

: not fatal

nonfatal infections