# existential

/ˌɛɡˌzɪsˈtɛnʃəɫ/ (US) · /ɛɡzɪstˈɛnʃəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/existential
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

relating to human existence or the experience of being alive. It often describes a serious threat to something's very survival or a deep questioning of life's meaning.

For teachers: relating to existence, especially human existence as viewed in philosophy. Often describes a threat that jeopardizes the continued survival of an entity or a crisis concerning the purpose of life.

## Examples

- The company faces an existential threat from new technology.
- Climate change is often described as an existential challenge because it threatens the future of human civilization.
- The protagonist's existential dread stems from the realization that his daily routines lack any inherent purpose or lasting significance in the grander scheme of the universe.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrases 'existential threat' and 'existential crisis'.

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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.