extinction
Extinction is the state or process of a species, family, or larger group being or becoming extinct, meaning it no longer has any living members. It can also refer to the act of making something, such as a fire, a feeling, or a practice, cease to exist.
Examples
3 of 5Modern technology is causing the extinction of many traditional crafts.
Modern technology is causing the extinction of many traditional crafts.
The international treaty aims to protect endangered species from the threat of extinction.
The international treaty aims to protect endangered species from the threat of extinction.
Landlines are basically headed for extinction since everyone uses mobile phones now.
Landlines are basically headed for extinction since everyone uses mobile phones now.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a fire extinguisher. It 'extinguishes' (kills) the fire. Extinction is when the 'fire' of a whole species is put out forever.
Quick Quiz
The loss of tropical rainforests is driving many rare birds to the point of ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: extinction
Examples
Modern technology is causing the extinction of many traditional crafts.
everydayModern technology is causing the extinction of many traditional crafts.
The international treaty aims to protect endangered species from the threat of extinction.
formalThe international treaty aims to protect endangered species from the threat of extinction.
Landlines are basically headed for extinction since everyone uses mobile phones now.
informalLandlines are basically headed for extinction since everyone uses mobile phones now.
The Permian-Triassic extinction event resulted in the loss of over 90% of marine species.
academicThe Permian-Triassic extinction event resulted in the loss of over 90% of marine species.
Companies that fail to innovate risk extinction in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
businessCompanies that fail to innovate risk extinction in the rapidly evolving digital marketplace.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
verge of extinction
verge of extinction
extinction rebellion
extinction rebellion
level of extinction
level of extinction
Often Confused With
Distinction refers to a difference or contrast between things, while extinction refers to the end of a species.
Extermination is the deliberate killing of a group (like pests), whereas extinction is the general state of being gone forever.
Usage Notes
Use this word primarily in scientific or environmental contexts to describe the death of a species. It can also be used metaphorically in business or sociology to describe the disappearance of outdated ideas or technologies.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the noun 'extinction' with the adjective 'extinct'. For example, they might incorrectly say 'the species is extinction' instead of 'the species is extinct'.
Memory Tip
Think of a fire extinguisher. It 'extinguishes' (kills) the fire. Extinction is when the 'fire' of a whole species is put out forever.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'extinguere', which means to quench, wipe out, or put out a fire.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The term is central to modern discussions about the 'Sixth Mass Extinction' and climate change activism.
Quick Quiz
The loss of tropical rainforests is driving many rare birds to the point of ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: extinction
Related Vocabulary
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living things and...
conservationThe careful preservation and protection of natural resources...
habitatA habitat is the natural environment or specific area where...
endangeredTo put someone or something at risk or in a situation where...
ecosystemA biological community of interacting organisms and their ph...
fossilA fossil is the remains or trace of a plant or animal that l...
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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