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

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

These were probably giant kangaroo rats, a native species whose numbers have been growing since their listing as an endangered species in 1987.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

And if doubles are an endangered species, triples are practically extinct.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

It went on to develop a global reputation for the conservation of endangered species.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026

Who knows, we might even acknowledge the fragility and vulnerability that always accompany high specialization in biology, and movements might start up for the protection of ourselves as a valuable, endangered species.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas