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
It is considered a serious condition and can be dangerous or life-threatening, especially to older adults, people with weak immune systems, and pregnant women.
—
Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025
Smith had one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, returning to the field two years after suffering a life-threatening leg injury in 2018.
—ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025
Pregnant people exposed to listeria are at risk of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, premature delivery or the life-threatening infection of their newborn.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
In the worst cases, sesame allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening, the Food Allergy Institute reported on its website.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for life-threatening 
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Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 9 Feb. 2025
Smith had one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, returning to the field two years after suffering a life-threatening leg injury in 2018.
—ABC News, 9 Feb. 2025
Pregnant people exposed to listeria are at risk of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, premature delivery or the life-threatening infection of their newborn.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
In the worst cases, sesame allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening, the Food Allergy Institute reported on its website.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 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 16 Feb. 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
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