Endangered: meaning, definitions and examples

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endangered

 

[ ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd ]

Adjective / Verb
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'endangered' originated from the verb 'endanger', which first appeared in the early 17th century. The prefix 'en-' means 'to put into a specified state or condition', and 'danger' refers to the risk of harm or loss. The term became commonly used in the context of species conservation in the mid-20th century, as efforts to protect threatened animals and ecosystems gained momentum.

See also: endangering.

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.