security threat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "security threat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to refer to a situation that could potentially cause harm to a person, group, or organization's safety, property, or data. Example sentence: The cyber attack posed a serious security threat to the company's confidential data.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's a security threat".

The New York Times

Officials say he remained a security threat.

The New York Times

Nonmetallic explosives pose a major security threat.

The New York Times

A slightly older security threat.

The Guardian - Books

So of course he's a security threat.

The Guardian - Opinion

He really was a security threat.

The Guardian - Books

India's greatest security threat today comes from violent Muslim extremists.

The New York Times

This remains, to me, our foremost security threat.

Independent

Economic migrants are not really a security threat.

The Economist

Well, the Homeland Security threat level — back up to high.

The New York Times

Well, wake up to the national security threat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential harm, clearly identify the source of the "security threat" and the potential targets or consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "security threat" as a generic term. Be specific about the nature of the threat and its potential impact. Overuse can dilute its meaning and make your writing less effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "security threat" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies something that poses a danger or risk to safety and security, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "security threat" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that poses a danger or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily within News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, be specific about the source and potential impact of the threat. While alternatives like "security risk" or "potential danger" exist, "security threat" offers a direct and widely understood way to communicate potential harm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

security risk

Focuses more on the potential for harm or loss.

threat to security

Reverses the order of words, but maintains the same meaning.

risk to safety

Emphasizes the potential for harm to individuals.

potential danger

Highlights the possibility of harm or hazard.

source of insecurity

Focuses on the origin or cause of the threat.

matter of vulnerability

Emphasizes the weakness or susceptibility to harm.

hazard

A general term for something that can cause harm.

peril

Suggests a more immediate and serious danger.

menace

Implies a deliberate or malicious threat.

compromised security

Indicates that security has already been breached or weakened.

FAQs

How can I use "security threat" in a sentence?

You can use "security threat" to describe anything that poses a risk to safety or well-being. For example, "The malware posed a significant "security threat" to the company's data."

What are some alternatives to "security threat"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "security risk", "potential danger", or "risk to safety".

Is it better to say "security threat" or "threat to security"?

"Security threat" and "threat to security" are largely interchangeable, but "security threat" is more concise and commonly used.

What kind of things can be classified as a "security threat"?

A wide range of things can be a "security threat", including cyberattacks, terrorism, natural disasters, and even economic instability. The specific threat depends on the context.