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

At the academy, cadets are taught to envision every interaction as a life-threatening confrontation. — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

Forecasters said Nolo's outer bands could cause life-threatening flooding and mudslides, with parts of the Big Island possibly getting up to 20 inches of rain. — Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026

The man’s stab wounds were not considered life-threatening, police said. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026

He was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 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