Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

sublethal

American  
[suhb-lee-thuhl] / sʌbˈli θəl /

adjective

  1. almost lethal or fatal.

    a sublethal dose of poison.


Etymology

Origin of sublethal

First recorded in 1890–95; sub- + lethal

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.

See Examples For:

These sublethal effects can be compared to the way an over-the-counter antihistamine may relieve allergy symptoms while also causing drowsiness.

From Science Daily Aug. 6, 2026

The right whale consortium said sublethal injuries to whales from collisions and fishing gear are also a major concern for the remaining population.

From Seattle Times Oct. 23, 2023

Documenting often-invisible, sublethal effects in wild animals that are definitively linked to plastic itself has remained elusive.

From Scientific American Mar. 22, 2023

Pesticides also harm bees, particularly products that cause sublethal or chronic bee health issues.

From Salon Nov. 12, 2022

The consequences of the sublethal poisoning of the woodcock are now seen in a marked decline in the proportion of young birds to adults, first observed in the season after fire ant treatments began.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training