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
Brun’s niece sustained injuries during the shooting that were not life-threatening — a scratch on her belly, said Brun.
—
Alula Alderson,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2026
The victim was found without life-threatening injuries, according to the sheriff's office.
—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2026
The victim was taken to a hospital with a serious but non-life-threatening injury, according to police.
—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
An officer also sustained non-life-threatening injuries at the end of the pursuit.
—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
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Alula Alderson,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2026
The victim was found without life-threatening injuries, according to the sheriff's office.
—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2026
The victim was taken to a hospital with a serious but non-life-threatening injury, according to police.
—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
An officer also sustained non-life-threatening injuries at the end of the pursuit.
—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
23 June 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 2 Jul. 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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