# endangered

/ɛnˈdeɪndʒɝd/ (US) · /ɛndˈeɪndʒəd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/endangered
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. at risk of extinction

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a type of animal or plant that may soon disappear from the world because there are so few left.

For teachers: denoting a species or population at serious risk of extinction. Often used in formal environmental and biological contexts.

- The giant panda was once a famous endangered species, but its numbers are slowly growing.
- Conservationists are working tirelessly to protect the endangered sea turtles whose nesting grounds are threatened by coastal development and rising sea levels.

Usage: Often used before a noun like 'species', 'habitat', or 'animals'.

## Examples

- The giant panda is a famous endangered species.
- Conservationists are working hard to protect the endangered sea turtles nesting on these beaches.
- The construction of the new dam threatened several endangered aquatic species, sparking a heated debate between industrial developers and environmental activists.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.