threatened

adjective

threat·ened ˈthre-tᵊnd

: having an uncertain chance of continued survival

a threatened species

specifically : likely to become an endangered species

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web When activated, the 130 decibel personal safety Birdie alarm makes a loud noise and flashes strobe lights to create a diversion for anyone feeling threatened or unsafe.

Tori B. Powell, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2022 Lawmakers use the tactic to advance spending measures with a simple majority vote, sidestepping threatened filibusters from opponents.

Evan Halper, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2021 Others have expressed concern that the headline-grabbing prospect of de-extinction will shift resources and attention away from the protection of still-living threatened species.

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Aug. 2022 Invasive species degrade our natural areas, including areas critical to threatened and endangered species, by taking resources from native life forms.

Linda Jones, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2022 Dupieux had long dreamed of photographing the Apollo, a large mountain butterfly with a wingspan up to 90 millimetres (31/2 inches) and now one of Europe’s threatened butterflies, at risk from the warming climate and extreme weather events.

Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2021 However, since the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department considers the the alligator snapping turtle a threatened species worthy of being protected by the state, Broomhall decided to release the turtle back into the water, unharmed.

Ariana Garcia, Chron, 23 June 2022 Nothing about her manner would indicate an idealist practicing one of the most threatened and beleaguered professions in the country during a crucial moment in American history.

Emily Witt, The New Yorker, 13 July 2022 Although the bald eagle was removed from the list of threatened and endangered species in 2007, the bird is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Kolbie Peterson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 June 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'threatened.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.