What does "threatened" mean?

1. (ecology) used to describe a type of animal or plant that is at risk of becoming endangered. 2. (feeling unsafe) feeling that someone or something might hurt you or take away what you have.

How do you use "threatened"?

Often used in the phrase 'threatened species'.

threatened

adj.

US //ˈθɹɛtənd// UK //θɹˈɛtənd// threat·ened

1 ecology (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

used to describe a type of animal or plant that is at risk of becoming endangered.

denoting a species likely to become endangered in the near future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Example

The local sea turtles are now a threatened species because of ocean pollution.

Example

Conservationists argue that without immediate habitat restoration, several threatened bird species will transition to the endangered list within a decade.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'threatened species'.
- at risk
- vulnerable
- secure
- abundant
2 feeling unsafe (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

feeling that someone or something might hurt you or take away what you have.

experiencing a sense of insecurity, vulnerability, or impending harm.

Example

He felt threatened when the new employee started taking over his projects.

Example

The established firm felt threatened by the aggressive pricing strategies of the new startup entering the market.
- safe
- confident