existential threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existential threat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or event which has the potential to seriously and irrevocably damage or destroy something important. For example: "The ongoing drought has created an existential threat to the local farming industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Museums answer this existential threat with popularity.

The New York Times

But, remember, we're facing "an existential threat".

The New York Times

I think it's actually an existential threat.

The New York Times - Books

Terrorists were an existential threat to Pakistan.

The Guardian

The Nazis were an existential threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the existential threat to the euro zone won't wait.

The New York Times

Many Israelis consider Iran's nuclear capacity an existential threat.

The New York Times - Magazine

Israel views a nuclear Iran as an existential threat.

The New York Times

"One is the Iranian threat, an existential threat.

The New York Times

For working models, it represents an existential threat.

The New York Times

This could be an existential threat to Israel's existence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "existential threat" when you want to emphasize that something fundamental is at risk of being destroyed. Ensure the context supports the gravity of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "existential threat" for minor inconveniences or challenges. Reserve it for situations where the very existence or core identity of something is genuinely at risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existential threat" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig confirms that the phrase describes something posing a severe risk to the very existence of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "existential threat" is a powerful term used to describe situations that threaten the very existence of something. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a strong term, reserving it for scenarios where the fundamental being of something is truly at risk. While alternatives like "threat to existence" or "grave peril" exist, "existential threat" carries a unique weight that emphasizes the severity of the situation. Be mindful of overuse to maintain its impact. Overall, "existential threat" serves as a critical tool for communicating profound danger, demanding careful and appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

threat to existence

This alternative directly replaces "existential" with its definition, focusing on the threat to being or survival.

fundamental risk

This shifts the focus from existence to core principles or foundations being at risk.

mortal danger

This emphasizes the potential for death or destruction as a result of the threat.

grave peril

This highlights the seriousness and imminence of the danger.

catastrophic risk

This underscores the potential for widespread devastation and loss.

lethal hazard

This alternative emphasizes the potential for causing death or severe harm.

critical vulnerability

This underscores the weakness and susceptibility to harm.

serious jeopardy

This indicates a state of being at risk of loss or harm.

terminal threat

This alternative suggests an irreversible and ultimately destructive threat.

extreme vulnerability

Focuses on the state of being exposed and susceptible to significant harm.

FAQs

How to use "existential threat" in a sentence?

Use "existential threat" to describe a situation that threatens the very existence of something. For example, "Climate change poses an "existential threat" to coastal communities".

What can I say instead of "existential threat"?

You can use alternatives like "threat to existence", "fundamental risk", or "grave peril" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "existential threat" or "existing threat"?

"Existential threat" refers to a threat to the very existence of something, while "existing threat" simply means a threat that currently exists. The correct choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "existential threat" and "serious threat"?

While both describe dangers, an "existential threat" implies a risk to the core being or survival of something, while a "serious threat" indicates a significant danger that may not necessarily jeopardize existence itself.