threatened
/ˈθret.ənd/ (bre, ipa) · [θrˈɛtənd] /ˈθret.ənd/ (ame, ipa) · [θrˈɛtənd] /ˈthre-tᵊnd How to pronounce threatened (audio)/ (ame, mw)
threatened — adjective
- threatenedpositive
- more threatenedcomparative
- most threatenedsuperlative
1. describes a species of animal or plant, or a way of life such as a language or t
describes a species of animal or plant, or a way of life such as a language or tradition, that faces a real chance of disappearing or dying out completely
The panda was once a threatened species, but protection efforts have helped its numbers grow.
threatened species — common collocation for at-risk animals/plants
Devika's research focuses on threatened coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean.
Many local languages are threatened as younger generations switch to more widely spoken ones.
The wetlands outside Kaohsiung provide a home for several threatened bird species.
Traditional fishing methods in the village are threatened by new laws that limit ocean access.
- endangered
more severe — officially at greater risk of extinction
- at risk
less formal; can describe people or things, not only species
- vulnerable
official conservation category; one step below 'threatened' in some systems
文法句型
threatened + noun
be threatened (passive construction)
用法筆記
In conservation categories, 'threatened' is a broader and slightly less severe label than 'endangered' — officially, a 'threatened' species may become 'endangered' if conditions worsen.
常見錯誤
2. describes an unpleasant or harmful action that someone has warned they will carr
describes an unpleasant or harmful action that someone has warned they will carry out, often as a way to force other people to agree to something
The threatened strike by hospital workers led to urgent talks with the government.
threatened + strike — common news collocation
Darius ignored the threatened lawsuit and continued building the extension to his house.
A threatened cut in funding forced the school to look for money from private donors.
The threatened closure of the factory caused deep worry among workers and their families.
Despite the threatened penalty, the journalist refused to name the source of the leaked documents.
文法句型
threatened + noun (unpleasant event)
用法筆記
Almost always placed before a noun describing the unwelcome event (strike, lawsuit, closure, cut, penalty). It is not used after a linking verb in this sense — you would not say 'the strike is threatened.'
常見錯誤
3. feeling worried or frightened because you believe something harmful could happen
feeling worried or frightened because you believe something harmful could happen to you or that someone intends to hurt you
Xiu felt threatened when a stranger started following her home from the bus stop.
feel threatened by + situation/person
The elderly woman felt threatened by the two men shouting loudly outside her apartment door.
After the earthquake, many residents felt too threatened to sleep inside their own homes.
Shanti's dog growled at the delivery driver, which made her feel threatened.
Ramón did not feel threatened by the dark clouds, so he went for a walk on the beach.
- frightened
broader — covers any type of fear, not necessarily from a personal threat
- scared
more informal than 'threatened'; general fear
- intimidated
implies someone is trying to make you feel afraid on purpose
文法句型
feel threatened
be threatened by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Describes a person's emotional state — the subject must be a living being capable of experiencing fear. Not used for inanimate objects.
常見錯誤
4. worried that a person or a situation could damage the respect others have for yo
worried that a person or a situation could damage the respect others have for you, harm your reputation, or take away your position of authority
Tara felt threatened when a new manager started taking over projects she had led for years.
feel threatened when + situation — pattern for status-anxiety
Some older employees feel threatened by younger colleagues who are more skilled with new technology.
The senator felt threatened by a younger rival whose popularity was rising in her own party.
Owen never felt threatened by criticism because he was confident in his abilities and experience.
When automated machines were introduced, some workers felt threatened about losing their jobs.
文法句型
feel threatened by + noun phrase
threatened + by + person/situation
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3: whereas sense 3 involves fear of physical harm, this sense involves fear of social or professional loss — losing face, authority, job security, or admiration.