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

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

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

In total, more than 2,000 marine species have been recorded in the warm Gulf waters, including over 500 fish species and five types of sea turtles, among them the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 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

The pangolin, which is the only mammal completely covered in scales, has become the most trafficked animal on earth and is now critically endangered.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2025

The infant was born on Nov. 22 to a family troop of critically endangered western lowland gorillas.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025