# threatened

/ˈθɹɛtənd/ (US) · /θɹˈɛtənd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/threatened
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. ecology

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

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

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: experiencing a sense of insecurity, vulnerability, or impending harm.

- He felt threatened when the new employee started taking over his projects.
- The established firm felt threatened by the aggressive pricing strategies of the new startup entering the market.

## Examples

- The giant panda was once a threatened species.
- Local conservationists are working to protect the threatened wetlands from new housing developments.
- Biologists have identified several threatened coral reefs that require immediate intervention to prevent a total collapse of the local marine ecosystem.

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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.