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

In 2020, the commission gave the lions temporary endangered species protections as “candidates” for listing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

When her husband, Jerome Saxton, finally spotted garbage bins outside a Nike store on their fourth day, he took a video as if spotting an endangered species in the wild.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Sea otters, now classified as an endangered species, once thrived along the Pacific Coast before the fur trade during westward colonial expansion drastically reduced their numbers.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

In the middle of a villain era, good people can feel like members of an endangered species reclassified as huntable and left to fend for themselves.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 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