facing extinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"facing extinction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where a species, language, tradition, etc. is in danger of disappearing completely. Example: The polar bear is one of many species facing extinction due to the effects of climate change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Ba'ath is facing extinction.

The Guardian

"His industry was facing extinction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Facing extinction, with or without certificates.

The New York Times - Science

"I'm feeling like I'm facing extinction".

The New York Times

And philanthropy is not facing extinction.

The New York Times

The commission itself is facing extinction.

The New York Times

She now believed that her people might be facing extinction.

The New Yorker

· Warming of 2C could leave 15-40% species facing extinction.

The Guardian

5. 6,000 languages are facing extinction Across the globe, minority languages are facing extinction in the face of globalisation.

The Guardian

Both are dinosaurs facing extinction, although the old boys' metaphor of choice makes them rogue bulls.

The New York Times - Books

But just as it is facing extinction, the clunky old cassette has been reborn.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about conservation efforts, use "facing extinction" to emphasize the urgency and importance of the species or entity in question.

Common error

Avoid using "facing extinction" when referring to temporary setbacks or challenges. Ensure the situation genuinely threatens the long-term survival or existence of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facing extinction" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often used adjectivally to modify nouns. Ludwig AI indicates its use in various contexts, providing examples of both exact matches and similar expressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Opinion

6%

Books

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "facing extinction" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe entities at risk of disappearing. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and scientific domains. Its function is to highlight the severity and urgency of a threat. While generally neutral, its formality can shift based on the source. Related phrases such as "on the brink of extinction" offer similar meanings, albeit with slight nuances. When employing this phrase, ensure its usage aligns with genuine threats to long-term survival and existence. Overall, "facing extinction" serves as a powerful tool for conveying the gravity of situations demanding attention and action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the brink of extinction

Focuses on the imminence of extinction, emphasizing the proximity to complete disappearance.

nearing extinction

Indicates the process of approaching extinction, suggesting it is not immediate but progressing.

threatened with extinction

Highlights the threat and potential for extinction, rather than the current state.

endangered

A more general term indicating that a species is at risk of extinction.

on the verge of disappearing

Emphasizes the act of disappearing, suitable for broader contexts beyond species.

becoming extinct

Focuses on the gradual process leading to extinction.

dying out

An informal phrase indicating a gradual decline towards extinction.

in danger of vanishing

Highlights the risk of complete disappearance, often used in a more general sense.

at risk of disappearing

Similar to 'in danger of vanishing' but slightly less emphatic.

under threat of obliteration

A more dramatic and forceful way of saying something is close to extinction.

FAQs

How can I use "facing extinction" in a sentence?

You can use "facing extinction" to describe anything at risk of disappearing, such as "The Amur leopard is "facing extinction" due to habitat loss and poaching."

What are some alternatives to saying "facing extinction"?

Alternatives include "on the brink of extinction", "endangered", or "threatened with extinction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "facing extinction"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "facing extinction" is widely used and understood to mean that something is in danger of disappearing completely.

What's the difference between "endangered" and "facing extinction"?

"Endangered" is a general term for a species at risk. "Facing extinction" emphasizes the active process and immediacy of the threat. Something "facing extinction" is actively moving toward complete disappearance.