life-threatening
adjective
life-threat·en·ing
ˈlīf-ˌthre-tᵊn-iŋ 
-ˌthret-niŋ
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
a life-threatening disease/condition
The injuries are serious but not life-threatening.
Examples of life-threatening in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While pregnant people may not show symptoms, Listeria can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, or a life-threatening infection in a newborn.
—
Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025
Four other people suffered life-threatening wounds during Wednesday's rampage, and one remains in a critical condition, Aleksandar Radovic, the director of the Clinical Centre in Podgorica, said.
—Stevo Vasiljevic, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
At least six others were hurt in the shooting, authorities said, with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
—CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
The woman was hospitalized in serious condition, but her injuries weren’t life-threatening, according to deputies.
—Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for life-threatening 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025
Four other people suffered life-threatening wounds during Wednesday's rampage, and one remains in a critical condition, Aleksandar Radovic, the director of the Clinical Centre in Podgorica, said.
—Stevo Vasiljevic, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025
At least six others were hurt in the shooting, authorities said, with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
—CBS News, 3 Jan. 2025
The woman was hospitalized in serious condition, but her injuries weren’t life-threatening, according to deputies.
—Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for life-threatening
Dictionary Entries Near life-threatening
Cite this Entry
“Life-threatening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-threatening. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
life-threatening
adjective
life-threat·en·ing
ˈlīf-ˌthret-ən-iŋ
: capable of causing death : potentially fatal
life-threatening injuries
a life-threatening allergic reaction
life-threatening arrhythmia
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share