Endangered: meaning, definitions and examples

🦏

Add to dictionary

endangered

[ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

species protection

In danger of extinction if not protected; at risk of disappearing forever. Endangered species are often the focus of conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.

Synonyms

at risk, threatened, vulnerable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
endangered	Used when a species is facing a very high risk of extinction in the near future. The Amur leopard is one of the most endangered big cats in the world Conservation efforts are crucial for endangered species
threatened	Used when a species is likely to become endangered if current trends continue. The population of sea turtles is declining, and they are now considered threatened Legislation was passed to protect threatened habitats
vulnerable	Used to describe a species that is at risk of becoming endangered, often because of specific threats. Elephants in some regions are classified as vulnerable due to poaching Coral reefs are vulnerable to climate change impacts
at risk	General term used to describe someone or something exposed to danger or harm. Many coastal cities are at risk due to rising sea levels People in poverty are often at risk for various health issues

Examples of usage

Many animals, such as the giant panda and the black rhino, are considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
The World Wildlife Fund works to raise awareness about endangered species and protect their habitats.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

put in danger

To put someone or something at risk of harm, damage, or destruction. Endangered can also refer to the act of making a species vulnerable to extinction.

Synonyms

imperil, jeopardize, threaten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
endangered	This word is often used to describe species that are at risk of extinction. It is commonly found in environmental and conservation contexts. The giant panda is an endangered species. Efforts are being made to protect endangered animals.
jeopardize	Jeopardize is used to indicate putting something in danger or at risk. It's versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Smoking can jeopardize your health. Cheating on the exam could jeopardize his academic future.
threaten	Threaten is used when there's an indication or suggestion of harm or danger. It can be negative if used to describe personal or intentional harm. Dark clouds threaten a storm. The intruder threatened the homeowner with a weapon.
imperil	Imperil is a more formal term used to describe situations where something is put at serious risk or danger. It's often used in legal, governmental, or formal reports. The new policy could imperil the economy. Rising sea levels imperil coastal cities.

Examples of usage

The construction of a new highway could endanger the habitat of several endangered bird species.
Pollution from factories endangers the health of residents in the surrounding area.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'endangered' comes from the Middle English 'danger', which refers to a situation that poses a risk.
It combines 'end' with 'anger', indicating the urgent threat to species facing extinction.
The term became widely used in conservation when identifying species under threat globally.

Environmental Science

Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change are the top three reasons species become endangered.
Conservation efforts to protect endangered species can significantly improve their chances of recovery.
The IUCN Red List includes over 30,000 species classified as endangered, highlighting the global crisis.

Legislation

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 in the United States aims to protect species at risk and their habitats.
Many countries have similar laws, showing an international commitment to saving endangered species.
Laws can help create protected areas, like national parks, to ensure safer environments for vulnerable species.

Pop Culture

Animated films often feature endangered animals to raise awareness among children, like in 'Zootopia' or 'Madagascar'.
Celebrity campaigns, such as those led by Leonardo DiCaprio, spotlight endangered species to mobilize support.
Video games sometimes feature endangered species, educating players about their plight while entertaining.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures feature endangered species in folklore and mythology, symbolizing the need for harmony with nature.
Indigenous communities often have deep connections to endangered plants and animals, viewing them as essential to their heritage.
Artistic representations of endangered species in painting and sculpture help raise awareness and inspire action.

Translations

Translations of the word "endangered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ameaçado

🇮🇳 संकटग्रस्त

🇩🇪 gefährdet

🇮🇩 terancam

🇺🇦 загрожений

🇵🇱 zagrożony

🇯🇵 絶滅危惧

🇫🇷 en danger

🇪🇸 en peligro

🇹🇷 tehlikede

🇰🇷 멸종 위기

🇸🇦 مهدد

🇨🇿 ohrožený

🇸🇰 ohrozený

🇨🇳 濒危

🇸🇮 ogrožen

🇮🇸 í útrýmingarhættu

🇰🇿 қауіпті

🇬🇪 საფრთხის ქვეშ

🇦🇿 təhlükədə

🇲🇽 en peligro

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,744 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8741 flora
8742 vulnerability
8743 advocacy
8744 endangered
8745 wandered
8746 skeletal
8747 imperialism
...