endangered

American  

[en-deyn-jerd] / ɛnˈdeɪn dʒərd /

adjective

1. threatened with a danger.

   endangered lives of trapped coal miners.

2. Biology, Ecology. generally perceived as threatened with extinction.

   In 1967, the U.S. government declared the bald eagle endangered, but the national bird’s population recovery since then has been remarkable.

3. Biology, Ecology. (of a threatened plant or animal species) having a very high risk of extinction, second only to the status of critically endangered, as categorized by the IUCN Red List: EN

   There are more than 3,600 endangered plant species throughout the world.

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endangered British  

/ ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd /

adjective

1. in danger: used esp of animals in danger of extinction

   the giant panda is an endangered species

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Other Word Forms

• unendangered adjective

Etymology

Origin of endangered

First recorded in 1590–1600; endanger + -ed ²

Compare meaning

How does endangered compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endangered vs. threatened species

Explanation

An animal that is endangered is close to extinction — meaning there aren't very many of that type of animal left in the world. This word is used mostly to describe animal species that are not doing very well: animals usually become endangered because of over hunting or the destruction of their habitat. Environmental groups and animal-lovers try to help endangered species survive. Outside of the animal kingdom, you can say anything that seems to be dying out is endangered, like good manners, phone booths, or the art of letter writing.

Example Sentences

Instead, it has proven to be about Appalachian springsnails—and a few other rare or endangered species, including freshwater mussels, fish, and crustaceans.

From Slate • Apr. 27, 2026

And the family, from Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, are far from alone in seeking out the amphibians, which are critically endangered and only found in lakes and wetlands in southern Mexico City.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

The Daily Wire’s Matt Walsh said humans are in danger of becoming “an endangered species.”

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

But he remembers doing so quite fondly in “A Gorilla Story,” a memoir of sorts, as well as a status report on the great apes of East Africa, still endangered, always terrifying.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“If I keep you, the Fish and Wildlife Service will just take you away from me. Maybe even jail me. You’re an endangered species. I can’t harbor an endangered species. I’ve learned that much! “

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George

Related Words

• threatened