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 illness, called cyclosporiasis, is not usually life-threatening and is typically treated with antibiotics. — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Though cyclosporiasis can cause severe dehydration because of its association with prolonged bouts of diarrhea and nausea, it is not considered a life-threatening illness. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 July 2026

The man received medical attention at the scene before being taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026

One female and four males ranging in age from 19 to 22 were injured, but all remain stable with non-life-threatening injuries, Perez said at a press conference on July 10. — Bella Decrescenzo, The Providence Journal, 10 July 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