English Reference
adjective

threatened

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

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage threatened to bomb · threatened a year-old · threatened by habitat

Hawaii was threatened by Hurricane Fausto last month before the storm weakened and skirted north of the island chain.

Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

Throughout our reporting we were repeatedly attacked and threatened.

BBC News· 7 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated