life-threatening

[lahyf-thret-ning, -thret-n-ing] / ˈlaɪfˌθrɛt nɪŋ, -ˌθrɛt n ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

very dangerous

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deadly lethal mortal serious severe

WEAK

capital critical hazardous threatening touch and go unsafe

Antonyms

STRONGEST

harmless invigorating

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.

His injuries were not life-threatening, so they gently asked him to wait, getting him to hold his wife's hand, while they tended to other casualties.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Not every situation is life-threatening, but most that Klugo encountered in school required self-advocacy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

"If these findings are confirmed in Phase III trials, we may finally be able to offer patients a targeted therapy that halts and potentially reverses liver damage before it progresses to life-threatening stages."

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

Three doctors gathered and told the couple that the longer Waldorf’s cervix remained open and her uterus exposed to bacteria, the higher her risk of developing a life-threatening infection.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Later, I learn that Azaan was taken to the temple’s infirmary with several injuries, but thankfully none that are life-threatening.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray