critically endangered

American  

[krit-i-klee en-deyn-jerd] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kli ɛnˈdeɪn dʒərd /

adjective

Biology, Ecology.

1. (of athreatened species ) having the highest risk of extinction, as categorized by the IUCN Red List: CR

   The list of critically endangered frog species is alarmingly long.

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Etymology

Origin of critically endangered

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The critically endangered Torrey pine tree only grows naturally two places in the world — a state park near San Diego and on Santa Rosa Island — and one of those places is on fire.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

As Scott Weidensaul tells us, poisoning has led to seven of Africa’s 10 vulture species being listed as endangered or critically endangered, with populations down as much as 97%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

You’ll find everything from red pandas to critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemurs.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

When researchers compared the genomes of these ancient animals with modern breeds, they found the closest genetic match was the critically endangered Old Irish Goat still surviving today.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

Harvest mice weigh the same as a 20 pence coin and are considered to be critically endangered in Scotland by the Mammal Society.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026