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

Tenants have said the living conditions there are considered life-threatening, such as restoring electricity and air conditioning. — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

At least 54 firefighters have been injured, nine of whom were evacuated, all with non-life-threatening injuries. — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 25 July 2026

Police said some of the victims had life-threatening injuries. — Kirsten Grieshaber, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Brit also developed a life-threatening complication of pancreatitis called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Medical 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