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

Gonzalez doesn’t believe the middle manager is an endangered species, but job details will evolve, she said.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Combining data from a number of wildlife organisations, the group said the endangered species, which "still clings on" across Cumbria, Northumberland and the North Pennines, could disappear within 25 years.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

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 certainly not as a giant marina, which would have destroyed a habitat that was home to several endangered species.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

By 1990, they were officially declared an endangered species.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh