endangered

word · lemma: endanger

/ɛnˈdeɪndʒɝd/
en-DAYN-jurd
/ɛndˈeɪndʒəd/
en-DAYN-juhd

Definition

At serious risk of dying out or being destroyed, especially referring to animal or plant species with very few remaining members.

Usage & Nuances

Most commonly used with species ("endangered species"). Also used figuratively for languages, cultures, or traditions at risk of disappearing. "Critically endangered" is the highest risk level before extinction. The verb "to endanger" means to put at risk.

Example Sentences

The panda is an endangered species.

basic

The zoo has a program to protect endangered animals.

basic

Pollution has endangered many species in the ocean.

basic

Hundreds of endangered languages could disappear within a generation.

natural

Deforestation has put the orangutan on the endangered list.

natural

His reckless driving endangered the lives of everyone on the road.

natural