threatened
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Facing a high risk of becoming endangered in the near future: Used to describe a species of plant or animal whose population is declining and is likely to become officially classified as "endangered" if the threatening circumstances continue. 2. In a state of being at risk or in danger: Used more generally to describe something (e.g., a way of life, a community, an idea) that is vulnerable to harm, destruction, or negative change.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective (Biological Conservation):
- The sea turtle is a threatened species due to habitat loss and pollution.
- Conservation efforts are focused on protecting threatened flora in the region.
- Adjective (General Risk):
- The ancient forest is threatened by proposed industrial development.
- Their traditional way of life is threatened by modernization.
Advanced Usage
- "to feel threatened": to feel insecure, vulnerable, or in danger from someone or something.
- Some employees felt threatened by the new, more efficient technology.
- "a threatened action": an action that someone says they will carry out, often as a warning or intimidation.
- He carried out his threatened lawsuit against the company.
Variants and Related Words
- Threaten (verb): To state an intention to cause harm or pain; to be a source of danger to.
- The storm clouds threaten rain.
- Threatening (adjective): Having a hostile or intimidating quality; indicating danger.
- He received a threatening letter.
- Threat (noun): A statement of an intention to inflict harm; a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger.
- Cyber attacks are a major threat to national security.
Synonyms
- Endangered: (Specifically for species) at serious risk of extinction. (Note: "Threatened" is a step below "endangered" in official conservation status.)
- Vulnerable: Susceptible to physical or emotional harm.
- Imperiled: In imminent danger.
- At risk: In a situation involving exposure to danger.
Related Phrases
- "Threatened with extinction": Facing the imminent risk of dying out completely.
- Many amphibians are threatened with extinction.
- "Under threat": Experiencing pressure or danger from a specific source.
- The historic building is under threat of demolition.
Adjective
- (of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
- the spotted owl is a threatened species, not yet an endangered one