least concern

American  

[leest kuhn-surn] / ˈlist kənˈsɜrn /

adjective

Biology, Ecology.

1. (of a plant or animal species) assessed to be thriving, with a distribution or population status that is neither threatened nor near threatened, as categorized by the IUCN Red List: LC

   Among the least concern birds on our favorite watches are the sandhill cranes and the pied-billed grebes.

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Etymology

Origin of least concern

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists aardvarks in the category of "least concern," in part due to the broad range of ecosystems they inhabit.

From Science Daily • Dec. 18, 2023

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies them as a species of least concern, meaning that they are not threatened or in need of conservation efforts.

From New York Times • May 25, 2023

Australia's saltwater crocodile, the world's largest reptile, is listed in the category of "least concern" about extinction.

From Reuters • Apr. 27, 2022

This is not to be confused with the list of coronavirus-killing disinfectants; this list is just for cleaners that have been tested by the EPA and pose the least concern among chemicals in their class.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2020

“That is my least concern; I am, by a course of strange events, become the most miserable of mortals. Persecuted and tortured as I am and have been, can death be any evil to me?”

From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley