life-threatening

adjective

life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthre-tᵊn-iŋ 

-ˌthret-niŋ

: capable of causing death : potentially fatal

a life-threatening disease/condition

The injuries are serious but not life-threatening.

Examples of life-threatening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The passenger of the truck was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

The severity of reactions can vary widely, ranging from mild symptoms to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 Oct. 2026

This is a comeback story of the highest order because Taylor Moton's life was at risk, blood was splattered all over his chest, and doctors frantically rushed to keep him from dying from a life-threatening emergency. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

The man’s injuries are not life-threatening, according to police. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

life-threatening

adjective

life-threat·​en·​ing ˈlīf-ˌthret-ən-iŋ 

: capable of causing death : potentially fatal

life-threatening injuries

a life-threatening allergic reaction

life-threatening arrhythmia