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

1. (of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered
   • the spotted owl is a threatened species, not yet an endangered one