C1adjective2K

Fatal

UK /["/ˈfeɪtl/"]/US /["/ˈfeɪtl/"]/

Definition

causing or ending in death

In simple words: causing death or serious injury

Examples

The disease was fatal and claimed many lives before a cure was found.
He suffered a fatal injury that led to his death at the scene.
Making a fatal mistake in the calculations caused the project to fail.
The software error had a fatal impact on the system’s stability.
She realized her decision had fatal consequences for her career.
Fatal accidents on the highway have decreased due to new safety measures.
The failure to follow the instructions resulted in a fatal error.
His fatal flaw was underestimating his opponents’ abilities.

Usage notes

Use 'fatal' when referring to something that can cause death or is very dangerous. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless it's serious.

Grammar pattern

fatal + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'fate'—something that leads to death or a serious end.

Collocations

be
prove
nearly
always
invariably
for
to
be
prove
absolutely
ultimately
to

Synonyms

deadly
lethal
mortal
terminal
perilous

Antonyms

harmless
safe

Common mistakes

Confused with 'fetal', which relates to unborn babies.
Misuse in non-life-threatening contexts, like 'fatal' for minor injuries.