a latent danger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a latent danger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hidden or not immediately apparent threat that may become significant over time. Example: "The old building has a latent danger of structural collapse that needs to be addressed before it can be safely occupied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There's a latent danger that it will enter protected natural areas without any kind of prior authorization," Pino says.

The Guardian

There is a latent danger in insertion mutation and activation of oncogenes in human being using retroviral vector system [ 24].

BMC Cancer

Global industrialization has caused a dramatic contamination of the environment with toxic heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead, or mercury representing a latent danger for men's health via the nutrition chain through contaminated water or food products [ 1, 2] or maternal milk [ 3].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A more latent danger (not because it's any less of a threat, but because it is harder to detect) is the increased susceptibility to socio-medical challenges such as HIV/Aids – for which high-risk behaviours correlate to poor socio-economic status such as bad living conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, a concomitant and latent danger of genetic pollution is realized by a few persons.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

industries -- if it was employed to measure index or marketplace concentrations in a. similar fashion, an unusually high HHI figure could flag latent danger.

Huffington Post

Efforts to encourage the government to acknowledge victims of 1965 has been met with a pushback from conservative elements, some have put up signs warning of the "latent danger of communism".

The Guardian - Books

The city was also under latent danger of attack by the Venetians.

Wikipedia

It not only causes a little reduction in efficiency but also may cause some latent dangers of the hybrid system at a part load condition.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Private funding comes with other latent dangers, too — the SEC just launched a deep investigation into mutual funds amidst controversy about whether investor fees were properly disclosed.

TechCrunch

From a societal perspective, this case has exposed some of the latent dangers concealed by the seemingly magical powers of the internet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential long-term effects, use "a latent danger" to highlight a threat that may not be immediately obvious. This emphasizes the need for proactive measures.

Common error

Avoid using "a latent danger" when describing immediate and obvious threats. Reserve it for situations where the danger is hidden or developing over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a latent danger" functions as a noun phrase, where "latent" modifies the noun "danger". It specifies the type of danger as one that is not immediately apparent but has the potential to emerge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a latent danger" is a phrase used to describe a potential threat that is not immediately apparent but could emerge over time. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news, scientific and wiki contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that you are referring to a risk that is hidden or developing, rather than an immediate threat. Alternatives such as "a hidden threat" or "an underlying risk" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hidden threat

This alternative replaces "latent danger" with a more direct term, highlighting the concealed nature of the threat.

an underlying risk

This phrase emphasizes the fundamental nature of the risk, suggesting it exists beneath the surface.

a lurking peril

This option uses more dramatic language to describe a danger that is waiting to emerge.

a potential hazard

This alternative focuses on the possibility of danger, rather than its current existence.

an unacknowledged threat

This highlights that the danger is not being recognized or addressed.

a suppressed danger

This phrase emphasizes that the danger is being held back or controlled, but still exists.

a veiled threat

This option suggests that the danger is disguised or not openly expressed.

a dormant risk

This emphasizes that the risk is currently inactive, but could become active in the future.

a brewing threat

This alternative suggests that a danger is developing or intensifying over time.

a smoldering danger

This implies that the danger is present but not yet fully ignited or active.

FAQs

How can "a latent danger" be used in a sentence?

Use "a latent danger" to describe a threat that is present but not yet active or fully developed. For example, "The abandoned factory poses "a latent danger" to the surrounding community due to potential chemical leaks".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a latent danger"?

Alternatives include "a hidden threat", "an underlying risk", or "a potential hazard", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a latent danger" in formal writing?

Yes, "a latent danger" is suitable for formal writing when you need to convey the presence of a hidden or not-yet-obvious threat. It's often used in reports, analyses, and academic papers.

What's the difference between "a latent danger" and "an imminent danger"?

"A latent danger" refers to a threat that is present but not currently active or obvious, while "an imminent danger" describes a threat that is about to occur or is immediately threatening.