death sentence

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.

For many years, the illness was considered a death sentence, with a five-year survival rate of just 25 percent.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

Valerie’s quandary seems much plainer in that her show’s success would be a death sentence for entertainment creatives.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

It is incurable, with a median life expectancy of 12 to 18 months—in other words, a death sentence.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

"Given his health, given that he has heart issues, given that he's lost 10kg over the last year alone, that's basically a death sentence," his son said.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

“In short, the boy has had a death sentence pronounced upon him as surely as I have,” said Dumbledore.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling