# extinction

/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ (US) · /ɛkstˈɪŋkʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. dying out of a species

noun · CEFR B2

the situation where a type of animal or plant stops existing completely.

For teachers: the permanent disappearance of a species or higher taxonomic group from the earth.

- The sudden extinction of the dinosaurs happened millions of years ago.
- Conservationists are working tirelessly to prevent the total extinction of the northern white rhino, whose population has dwindled to just a few individuals.

### 2. fading of a habit

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the process where a learned behavior or habit slowly disappears because it is no longer rewarded.

For teachers: the gradual weakening and eventual disappearance of a conditioned response when the stimulus is no longer reinforced.

- If you stop giving the dog treats for sitting, the behavior may face extinction.
- The therapist explained that the extinction of the patient's phobic response would require repeated exposure to the trigger without any negative consequences.

### 3. blocking of light

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the way dust and gas in space block or scatter light from stars.

For teachers: the reduction in the intensity of light or other radiation as it passes through a medium, particularly interstellar dust.

- Astronomers must account for extinction when measuring how bright a distant star really is.
- Interstellar extinction can significantly redden the appearance of distant galaxies, as shorter wavelengths of light are scattered more easily by cosmic dust.

## Examples

- Many animals face extinction because of habitat loss.
- Scientists are working hard to prevent the extinction of the mountain gorilla through conservation and protected habitats.
- The fossil record reveals several mass extinction events where a significant percentage of all life on Earth perished due to rapid environmental shifts.

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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.