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
From April 2 to April 7, 2025, a slow-moving weather system and stationary front caused a widespread tornado outbreak as well as historic, life-threatening flash flooding across much of the South and Midwest.
—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
4 July 2026
Record-breaking temperatures, combined with humidity and little overnight relief, could lead to life-threatening conditions.
—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
3 July 2026
People suffering from heatstroke are in a life-threatening emergency, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
One of the e-bike riders, a juvenile boy, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died shortly thereafter, the release said.
—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
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Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
4 July 2026
Record-breaking temperatures, combined with humidity and little overnight relief, could lead to life-threatening conditions.
—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
3 July 2026
People suffering from heatstroke are in a life-threatening emergency, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
3 July 2026
One of the e-bike riders, a juvenile boy, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died shortly thereafter, the release said.
—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 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 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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