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
One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, the sheriff said.
—
Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
Shortly after the 2024 bill became law, the Boise School District sent a message to parents saying schools would need their consent to provide non-life-threatening medical services, including Band-Aids and Tylenol, Idaho Education News reported at the time.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
Six others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, including one victim who was shot multiple times.
—Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, the sheriff said.
—Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
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Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
Shortly after the 2024 bill became law, the Boise School District sent a message to parents saying schools would need their consent to provide non-life-threatening medical services, including Band-Aids and Tylenol, Idaho Education News reported at the time.
—Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
Six others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, including one victim who was shot multiple times.
—Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
One security officer was hit by the vehicle and knocked unconscious but did not suffer life-threatening injuries, the sheriff said.
—Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 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 15 Mar. 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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