threatened

adjective

threat·​ened ˈthre-tᵊnd How to pronounce threatened (audio)
: having an uncertain chance of continued survival
a threatened species
specifically : likely to become an endangered species

Examples of threatened in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Everglades is home to a number of threatened or endangered species including the Florida panther, American flamingos, manatees and American crocodiles. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025 Manatees are classified by the federal government as a threatened species. Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025 The springs are home to several threatened and endangered species, including things like Texas wild rice, the fountain darter, and the Texas blind salamander. Morgan O'Hanlon, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2025 Macfarlane’s title question takes him to three countries, each home to threatened rivers: Los Cedros in Ecuador, Adyar River in India and Mutehekau Shipu (also known as Magpie River) in Canada. Valorie Castellanos Clark, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for threatened

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of threatened was in 1960

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Threatened.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threatened. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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