endangered

[en-deyn-jerd]

adjective

1. threatened with a danger.

   endangered lives of trapped coal miners.

2. Biology, Ecology.,  generally perceived as threatened with extinction.

   In 1967, the U.S. government declared the bald eagle endangered, but the national bird’s population recovery since then has been remarkable.

3. Biology, Ecology.,  (of a threatened plant or animal species) having a very high risk of extinction, second only to the status of critically endangered, as categorized by the IUCN Red List: EN

   There are more than 3,600 endangered plant species throughout the world.

endangered

/ ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd /

adjective

1. in danger: used esp of animals in danger of extinction

   the giant panda is an endangered species

Other Word Forms

• unendangered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of endangered¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; endanger + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Initially enamored of the industry’s potential, Dermish now worried that its pollution endangered the health of the town’s 75 residents.

From Salon

Joshua trees become candidates for the state’s threatened and endangered species list and are then protected by an unprecedented conservation law.

From Los Angeles Times

The European eel is red-listed as critically endangered - it ranks one tier below the conservation status given to pandas, rhinos and tigers.

From BBC

“The project creates irreparable harm in the form of habitat loss and increased mortality to endangered species in the area,” Williams wrote in her August 22 order.

From Salon

“This move will literally pave the way for the timber industry to clearcut backcountry forests that house endangered wildlife and are source waters for important fisheries and communities.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• threatened www.thesaurus.com