endangered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "endangered" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe species that are at risk of extinction or in danger of disappearing. Example: "The conservation group is working hard to protect endangered species in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is important because the nearest record of a Dryas' monkey is 400km to the west, meaning, if confirmed, the discovery would significantly expand the range of a primate considered critically endangered.

The Guardian

Lamb highlighted two major reef-building coral species in the Caribbean that have been classified as endangered after disease swept across the region and led to coral cover losses of up to 95%.

The Guardian

Within a few years, the study of French at UK universities, already severely endangered, may well become extinct.

The Guardian - Opinion

The defeat of the welfare reform bill, due to a Sinn Féin/SDLP veto, has endangered other elements of the accord, such as the devolution of corporation tax powers, a major civil service redundancy scheme and new structures to address the legacy of the Troubles.

The Guardian

The grey heron is the collateral damage here: it joins the avocet, little grebe and ringed plover among the birds that would be endangered by a four-runway behemoth appearing off the Isle of Sheppey.

The Guardian - Business

Conservationists are deeply opposed to the project because it would wipe out half of the 8,000-hectare 8,000-hectareure Refuge, home to koalas and aBimbleboxbird species, iNatureng the endangeRefugeack-thometod finch and the vulnerable red goshawkoalas

The Guardian

The net effect: not only are you worrying about juggling your finances and losing those stubborn extra pounds, but you're also fretting about the economy, people suffering in conflict zones, disappearing glaciers and endangered species.

The Guardian

Cult musicians such as Sidebottom, Beefheart and Johnston are guarded by their fans like endangered species in a nature reserve.

The Guardian - Film

Express Newspapers NUJJ chapel has urged Desmond to sell the "critically endangered" titles to a proprietor that will stop cuts and invest in the business.

The Guardian

Victoria's faunal emblem, the Leadbeater's possum, has officially been listed as critically endangered, with the federal government's scientific advisers calling for an end to logging in the species's habitat in the Victorian central highlands.

The Guardian

That report talks about endangered forests that were still ending up in their tissue products.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing species, use "endangered" precisely to indicate a species officially listed as facing a high risk of extinction. Otherwise, consider using "vulnerable" or "threatened" for less critical situations.

Common error

Avoid using "endangered" metaphorically when describing situations that are not life-threatening or at a high risk of disappearing. For example, saying "my job is endangered" might be hyperbolic if there is no real risk of termination. Instead, consider alternatives like "insecure" or "at risk".

Linguistic Context

The word "endangered" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are at risk of extinction or severe harm. As noted by Ludwig, this aligns with its standard grammatical role and usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "endangered" is a commonly used adjective that describes a state of high risk, particularly for species facing extinction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical usage is correct and frequently appears in news and media, often related to environmental concerns and conservation efforts. While synonyms like "threatened" and "at risk" exist, "endangered" specifically refers to situations recognized as critically close to disappearing. The best practice is to use it precisely when referring to species or entities officially classified as such, avoiding overuse in less critical contexts to maintain its impact and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at risk

This alternative is more general, indicating any kind of risk, not necessarily extinction.

threatened

This alternative is very close in meaning, often used interchangeably with "endangered", but can apply to less severe situations.

imperiled

This alternative suggests a more immediate and severe danger than "endangered".

jeopardized

This alternative implies that something has been put in danger by a specific action or event.

vulnerable

This alternative highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage.

in danger of extinction

This alternative is more specific, focusing on the risk of a species disappearing completely.

on the brink

This alternative suggests that something is very close to a negative outcome.

at risk of disappearing

This alternative emphasizes the potential loss or disappearance of something.

facing extinction

This alternative highlights the active confrontation with the threat of extinction.

in a precarious situation

This alternative suggests instability and a high risk of failure or harm.

FAQs

How is "endangered" typically used in a sentence?

"Endangered" is used to describe something at risk of extinction or severe harm. For example, "The polar bear is an "endangered" species due to climate change".

What are some synonyms for "endangered"?

Alternatives to "endangered" include "threatened", "at risk", "imperiled", and "vulnerable", each carrying slightly different connotations of risk and severity.

Is it correct to say something other than species is "endangered"?

While "endangered" most commonly refers to species, it can be used to describe anything facing a high risk of disappearing. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong term; otherwise, use a more appropriate word like "threatened" or "at risk".

What is the difference between "endangered" and "threatened"?

"Endangered" typically refers to a species facing a very high risk of extinction, while "threatened" indicates a species likely to become endangered in the near future. The terms reflect different levels of risk, with "endangered" being more severe.