life-threatening
Americanadjective
Explanation
Something life-threatening is seriously dangerous, and it might even result in death. If someone has a life-threatening illness, it's severe enough that they may need to be hospitalized. You can reassure your mom about the injuries you got when you were hiking up a mountain by saying, "Don't worry, my sprained ankle isn't life-threatening." In other words, it's not going to kill you. Things that are more likely to be life-threatening include cancer, bad head injuries, and run-ins with grizzly bears — they can indeed threaten your life.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A life-threatening brain swelling she experienced in response to her early immunotherapy would have made her ineligible for the treatment.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
Nottinghamshire Police said one man suffered life-threatening injuries and remained critically ill in hospital after he was hit by a Vauxhall Astra in Market Place, Arnold, at about 01:10 BST on Saturday.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
While trying to use his bear spray canister, he sustained “significant but not life-threatening injuries to his chest and left arm,” according to officials.
From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026
Eighteen percent reported that it led to a life-threatening event or required an intervention to prevent permanent harm.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
But my illnesses have been minor and not life-threatening.
From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
