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

He warned that other animals could now come under attack, including the Marsican brown bear - a critically endangered species considered a symbol of the Abruzzo national park.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Some see BEY093’s arrival in L.A. as a big conservation win for the endangered species.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

“My English friends, an endangered species in these days, they say to me, ‘Eva, in Great Britain your “Madame” is too onions-and-béret.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell