adjective
Uncommon
existential
ehg-zih-STEHNSHL
Existential (adjective) means relating to existence, especially the fact or nature of being alive. Example: “The climate crisis poses an existential threat to low-lying island nations.”
adjective
1
Relating to existence, especially the fact or nature of being alive.
"an existential risk or threat"
"Here, therefore, we seek to assemble and assess the evidence to provide an overview of how serious trade is as an existential threat to avian taxa in Sundaic Indonesia."
— James A. Eaton et al, Trade-driven Extinctions and Near-extinctions of Avian Taxa in Sundaic Indonesia (2015)
"The climate crisis poses an existential threat to low-lying island nations."
"Most of the subjects had terminal cancer, and several died within a year after the trial—but not before having a mental adventure that appeared to have eased the existential gloom of their last days."
— Benedict Carey, LSD, reconsidered for therapy (2014)
2
Relating to existentialism, the philosophy focused on individual freedom, choice, and meaning.
"He went through an existential crisis after turning forty, questioning the point of it all."
How to use existential
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with the basic fact of existing, or with deep questions about the meaning and purpose of life.
Common pairings
existential threat
existential crisis
existential question
existential dread
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more existential
- Superlative
- most existential
Fill the gap
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The climate crisis poses an _____ threat to low-lying island nations.
Etymology
From Late Latin existentialis, built from existentia ("existence") plus the adjective ending "-al."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for existential
See all rhymes for existential →Frequently asked questions
What does “existential” mean?
The word “existential” means relating to existence, especially the fact or nature of being alive. In plain terms, to do with the basic fact of existing, or with deep questions about the meaning and purpose of life.
How do you pronounce “existential”?
“Existential” is pronounced ehg-zih-STEHNSHL (/ˌɛɡzɪˈstɛn(t)ʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “existential” in a sentence?
Here is “existential” used in a sentence: “The climate crisis poses an existential threat to low-lying island nations.”
What part of speech is “existential”?
“Existential” is an adjective.
Where does the word “existential” come from?
The word “existential” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin existentialis, built from existentia ("existence") plus the adjective ending "-al.".
Is “existential” a common word?
“Existential” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “existential” have?
“Existential” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to existence, especially the fact or nature of being alive.
