endangered species

Scientific  

/ ĕn-dān′jərd /

1. A plant or animal species existing in such small numbers that it is in danger of becoming extinct, especially such a species placed in jeopardy as a result of human activity. One of the principal factors in the endangerment or extinction of a species is the destruction or pollution of its native habitat. Other factors include overhunting, intentional extermination, and the accidental or intentional introduction of alien species that outcompete the native species for environmental resources.

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endangered species Idioms  

1. A group threatened with extinction or destruction. For example, Workers willing to put in overtime without extra pay are an endangered species, or With the new budget cuts, public television has become an endangered species. This expression, originally referring to species of plants or animals in danger of dying out, began in the 1980s to be extended to anything or anyone becoming rare.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

endangered species

Now, it seems like the killer cover letter has lost its teeth, making the document an endangered species in the job hunt, according to recruiters and talent-acquisition professionals.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 15, 2026

In 2024, the Biden administration added the dunes sagebrush lizard to the endangered species list after years of advocacy from environmental groups like the Center for Biological Diversity.

From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026

The landmark Endangered Species Act -- passed in 1973 and credited with saving the bald eagle, the American alligator and other iconic species -- prohibits "taking" endangered species.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

The population dwindled to about 1,000 butterflies in the 1970s, when it was named an endangered species.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2026

“Can he confiscate an endangered species if somebody has one?”

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George