adj
Common
threatened
THREHT-nd
Threatened (adj) means At risk of being harmed or becoming endangered. Example: “The tiger is classified as a threatened species.”
adj
1
At risk of being harmed or becoming endangered.
"The tiger is classified as a threatened species."
"It is particularly desirable to obtain photographs of rural stations, both with and without a train, in view of the threatened wholesale closure of unremunerative branches throughout the country."
— H. C. Casserley, Permanent Wayfarings (1952)
"Many frogs are now threatened by the loss of the ponds where they breed."
"The charity works to protect threatened habitats along the coast."
2
Feeling insecure, unsafe, or vulnerable.
"He felt threatened by his colleague's growing influence in the office."
"Whenever his manager praised the new recruit, Tom felt threatened and went quiet."
"I never feel threatened when a friend does better than me; I am pleased."
How to use threatened
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAt risk of harm, or feeling unsafe and insecure.
Common pairings
threatened species
feel threatened
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more threatened
- Superlative
- most threatened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tiger is classified as a _____ species.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for threatened
opened
saddened
awakened
unopened
hardened
darkened
softened
sickened
weakened
burdened
loosened
flattened
See all rhymes for threatened →
Frequently asked questions
What does “threatened” mean?
The word “threatened” means at risk of being harmed or becoming endangered. In plain terms, at risk of harm, or feeling unsafe and insecure.
How do you pronounce “threatened”?
“Threatened” is pronounced THREHT-nd (/ˈθɹɛt.n̩d/ in IPA).
How do you use “threatened” in a sentence?
Here is “threatened” used in a sentence: “The tiger is classified as a threatened species.”
What part of speech is “threatened”?
“Threatened” is an adjective.
Is “threatened” a common word?
“Threatened” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “threatened” have?
“Threatened” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: at risk of being harmed or becoming endangered.
What is the difference between 'threatened' and 'threatening'?
'Threatened' describes something that is at risk of harm, or someone who feels insecure or vulnerable. 'Threatening' describes something that poses or expresses a threat, such as a threatening gesture, so the two are opposite in direction.
What is the difference between 'threatened' and 'endangered'?
'Threatened' means at risk of being harmed or of becoming endangered, so it is a broader, earlier stage. 'Endangered' means seriously at risk of dying out, and in conservation it is a specific, more severe status than 'threatened'.
What is the difference between feeling 'threatened' and feeling 'intimidated'?
Feeling 'threatened' means feeling insecure, unsafe, or vulnerable, as if you or something you value is at risk. Feeling 'intimidated' is more specific and means feeling frightened or overawed by someone or something, often into holding back.
When do you say someone feels 'threatened'?
You say someone feels 'threatened' when they sense a risk to their safety, status, or security, whether or not any real danger is present. It captures the emotional response of insecurity and vulnerability rather than a physical injury.
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