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
There is a high risk or life-threatening rip currents at Central Florida Atlantic beaches.
—
Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
She is said to have non-life-threatening injuries.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The teen suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Stamford Hospital, state police said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Ryan told reporters at the conference that the father and sister had non-life-threatening injuries to their faces and upper bodies.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
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Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
She is said to have non-life-threatening injuries.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
The teen suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Stamford Hospital, state police said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Ryan told reporters at the conference that the father and sister had non-life-threatening injuries to their faces and upper bodies.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
Cite this Entry
“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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