B1adjectivenatureenvironment
US/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/
UK/ɪkˈstɪŋkt/
no longer existing because every animal or plant of that kind has died
In context
The Javan rhino became extinct in Vietnam in 2010.
Scientists warn that many frogs could be extinct within fifty years.
Visitors can walk around the crater of an extinct volcano near the town.
Words that go with extinct
adjective + preposition
- extinct in the wildThe bird is now extinct in the wild and lives only in zoos.
adverb + adjective
- almost extinctThis kind of turtle is almost extinct in the wild.
- functionally extinctWith only two left, the animal is functionally extinct.
adjective + noun
- extinct speciesThe museum has the bones of an extinct species of bird.
- extinct volcanoThe lake sits inside an extinct volcano.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Dinosaurs were extincted millions of years ago.Correct: Dinosaurs became extinct millions of years ago.