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

Vascular experts break down the differences between superficial and deep vein thromboses, the possibly life-threatening complication of pulmonary embolism and what treatment typically looks like. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026

Hubbard's release follows the return of American Robert Gilman, who was freed from Russian custody in August after his health deteriorated to a life-threatening condition. — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Two adults and one child transported with non-life-threatening injuries out of an abundance of caution. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

The man was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was released from the hospital shortly after. — Kansas City Star, 20 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