Fatal

Pro Tip 1/3

Use 'fatal' to stress that death can't be avoided after an event like an injury or disease.

The venom of this snake is so potent, a single bite is often fatal.

Pro Tip 2/3

'Fatal' carries a weight of severity; use it in contexts that reflect a somber or serious tone.

There was a fatal collision on the highway last night.

Pro Tip 3/3

'Fatal' doesn't always mean death is immediate, just that it's inevitable as a result of the event.

She was diagnosed with a fatal illness that could take years to reach its inevitable end.