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 operator of the bicycle, a 49 year-old Stamford resident, suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision and was transported to Stamford Hospital where they were listed in critical condition, according to Booth.
—
Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
As a result of the crash, two female occupants of the Tesla were taken to an area hospital, one with life-threatening injuries, the police department said.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
The passenger sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital.
—Robert A. Cronkleton
march 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
One victim sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a second victim was struck in their clothing.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for life-threatening
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Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
As a result of the crash, two female occupants of the Tesla were taken to an area hospital, one with life-threatening injuries, the police department said.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
The passenger sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital.
—Robert A. Cronkleton
march 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
One victim sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a second victim was struck in their clothing.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 26 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 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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