endangered species

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.

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

"The Burramys Project is a demonstration that, at least in some cases, we can develop strategies to save endangered species," he says.

Read more on Science Daily

Atlantic salmon in Great Britain were listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature when they were last assessed in 2022.

Read more on BBC

A decade later, the girl boss is an endangered species.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"In my heart I am crying. This Mrima has endangered species that we are losing," he said.

Read more on Barron's

While their population is rebounding, wolves remain protected as an endangered species under state and federal law.

Read more on Los Angeles Times