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

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Alongside the three fatalities, the driver had life-threatening injuries, two occupants had serious injuries, and a two-year-old child also had serious injuries. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2026

Despite the growing concerns about the use of AI, both Maier and Heinze emphasize that dispatchers will always assume calls reporting a life-threatening situation are real — and will continue sending emergency resources to any call for help. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the department said. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Nov. 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