lieväänkohtalainen

lieväänkohtalainen is a Finnish adjective that translates to "mildly fatal" or "moderately fatal" in English. It describes a condition, illness, or circumstance that carries a significant risk of death but is not considered immediately or universally lethal. The term implies that while the outcome is serious and potentially life-threatening, there is a possibility of survival, recovery, or at least a slower progression of the condition.

This adjective is often used in medical contexts to describe diseases or injuries where the prognosis is uncertain but grave. It suggests that with appropriate treatment, care, or intervention, the chances of a positive outcome might be improved, even if the inherent danger remains high. For example, a lieväänkohtalainen infection would be one that could lead to death if left untreated but might be manageable with medical attention.

Beyond medical usage, lieväänkohtalainen can also be applied to situations or events that, while not guaranteed to cause death, present a substantial risk. This could include certain environmental hazards or dangerous activities. The core meaning always revolves around a degree of severity that approaches fatality but falls short of being absolutely so. It signifies a serious threat that warrants caution and respect due to its potentially lethal consequences.