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
The condition is life-threatening, with a typical life expectancy between 10 and 20 years.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025
Davison's Doctor was a lot more benevolent and was never scared to offer a helping hand, even in life-threatening moments.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025
More than 30 babies have been treated for the rare and life-threatening disease in an outbreak that started in August.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 2025
The driver of the Volkswagen was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital via an air ambulance with life-threatening injuries, the CHP said.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025
Davison's Doctor was a lot more benevolent and was never scared to offer a helping hand, even in life-threatening moments.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025
More than 30 babies have been treated for the rare and life-threatening disease in an outbreak that started in August.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 2025
The driver of the Volkswagen was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital via an air ambulance with life-threatening injuries, the CHP said.
—Brandon Downs, CBS News, 21 Nov. 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 26 Nov. 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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