extinction

1 definition • 4 examples

a situation in which something no longer exists:

extinction of The extinction of the dinosaurs occurred millions of years ago.

Some people predict the extinction of family life as we know it today.

in danger of extinction Many species of plants and animals are in danger of extinction (= being destroyed so that they no longer exist).

threatened with extinction Several species of wildlife are threatened with extinction (= being destroyed so that they no longer exist).