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
Sure, who had recently survived a life-threatening illness, hinted that more revelations were forthcoming in his memoir.
—
Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
The Individual Risks Of System Failure For individuals navigating severe psychiatric conditions, delays in care pose significant, potentially life-threatening risks.
—Amanda Marlar, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Meanwhile, the Administration’s current budget proposal would close 10 laboratories run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which help accurately predict life-threatening hazards.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 15 July 2025
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction which can occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to an allergen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
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Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025
The Individual Risks Of System Failure For individuals navigating severe psychiatric conditions, delays in care pose significant, potentially life-threatening risks.
—Amanda Marlar, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Meanwhile, the Administration’s current budget proposal would close 10 laboratories run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which help accurately predict life-threatening hazards.
—Simmone Shah, Time, 15 July 2025
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction which can occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to an allergen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
—Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
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 29 Jul. 2025.
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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