Showing results for "endangered"

• past tense form of endanger.
• past participle of endanger.

endangered

American  

[en-dayn-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

See Examples For:

endangered

"We've seen the Atlantic salmon return to the river and also the critically endangered European eel makes its way up the Mersey and into the River Gowy to breed each year as well," she said.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

He alleged that Metrolink has not properly maintained its parts, leading to multiple instances of mechanical failure that have endangered passengers and staff.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

But due process is endangered if victims can’t report allegations without facing public abuse and threats of being falsely accused themselves that it becomes psychologically impossible to live their lives.

From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026

The researchers also formally described Anchiale mabiensis, a new species found in Queensland's critically endangered Mabi rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026

Past wrongs—due to human actions and inaction—are why pandas and so many other vulnerable and endangered species are now at risk of extinction.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh

Related Words

• threatened