adj

critical

KRIHT-ih-kuhl

adj

Extremely important, often because a lot depends on it.

"Getting enough sleep is critical for good health."

Expressing disapproval or finding fault.

"He was very critical of the new policy."

In a dangerous or unstable medical condition.

"The patient was rushed to intensive care in critical condition."

Relating to careful analysis or evaluation, especially of literature or art.

"The essay offers a critical reading of the novel."

How to Use Critical

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "extremely important," "fault-finding," or "in a dangerous condition," depending on context.

Common pairings

critical condition critical thinking critical of a critical moment

more critical comparative, criticals plural, most critical superlative

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Getting enough sleep is _____ for good health.

From Latin criticus + the adjective suffix -al, ultimately from Greek kritikos, "able to judge."

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