Definition

1. Adjective:
   • At risk of extinction: Used to describe a species of plant or animal that is in serious danger of no longer existing in the wild.
   • Facing imminent threat: Describes a condition where the population of a species has become so low that it is likely to die out completely if threats are not removed.

Usage

• The adjective endangered is primarily used to describe biological species. It is most commonly found in the phrase endangered species.
• It is a formal term used in scientific, conservation, and legal contexts (e.g., the Endangered Species Act).
• It can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe non-biological things (like traditions or languages) that are at risk of disappearing, though this is an extended use.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The giant panda was once a highly endangered mammal.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for endangered birds like the California condor.
  • This law protects the habitats of endangered plants.

Advanced Usage

• "To be listed as endangered": To be officially classified and recognized as being at risk of extinction by an authoritative body (e.g., IUCN, a government).
  • The tiger was listed as endangered decades ago.
• "Critically endangered": A more severe classification than "endangered," meaning the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future.
  • The Javan rhino is critically endangered.

Variants and Related Words

• Endanger (verb): To put someone or something at risk or in danger.
  • Pollution can endanger marine life.
• Endangerment (noun): The action of putting someone or something at risk; the state of being endangered.
  • The endangerment of the ecosystem is a major concern.

Synonyms

• Threatened: (In conservation biology) At risk of becoming endangered in the near future. (Note: "Threatened" is often a broader or slightly less immediate category than "endangered.")
• At risk: Facing danger or harm.
• Vulnerable: (In conservation biology) Facing a high risk of endangerment in the wild. (Note: This is a specific category on the IUCN Red List, one step below "endangered.")

Related Phrases

• Endangered species list: The official register of species classified as endangered.
  • The fish was added to the endangered species list.
• Endangered status: The official classification of being endangered.
  • The court reviewed the animal's endangered status.

Adjective

1. (of flora or fauna) in imminent danger of extinction
   • an endangered species