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.
The discovery could change how doctors identify children at risk of life-threatening cancer, allowing treatment to be better matched to the true aggressiveness of their disease.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026
The company added that its focus remains on “high-impact, transformational medicines to treat life-threatening diseases.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
As we prepare to leave the hospital, a patient with life-threatening wounds is rushed in by air ambulance medics.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026
The National Hurricane Center said the worst of Rachel was over but "hazardous coastal conditions" could persist for days, with the highest waves coinciding with high tides, causing life-threatening surf and rip currents.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
Unlike any other ships, both vessels were fitted with an internal heating system to protect against the life-threatening Arctic cold.
From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler
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