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.

As drug prices soared, many were left without the means to pay for medications for common and life-threatening conditions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

Ectopic pregnancies are when the embryo starts growing outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube, and can be life-threatening.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

His son, Sebastien Lai, said the "draconian prison sentence is devastating for our family and life-threatening for my father".

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

And Attia largely downplays the risks of overtesting, which can lead to both false positives and the detection of markers that will never develop into life-threatening disease.

From Slate • Feb. 26, 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