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

Their injuries are not life-threatening, according to the chief. — Jessie Dimartino, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

The pilot safely ejected and is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Police said one person was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the scene and was transported to a hospital for treatment. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

Carmen Illapa, 78, of Stamford, was initially transported to Stamford Hospital with life-threatening injuries and listed in critical condition, according to the Stamford Police Department. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 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