critical

adjective
UK: /ˈkrɪtɪkl/
US: /ˈkrɪtɪkl/

  1. Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments; finding fault.

    1. He is very critical of my work. [ ] [ ]
    2. The report was highly critical of the bank's lending practices during that period. [ ] [ ]

  2. Of decisive importance with reference to the outcome; vital.

    1. It is critical to follow the instructions. [ ] [ ]
    2. Getting the funding approved is critical if the project is to proceed this year. [ ] [ ]

  3. Relating to the careful judgment and evaluation of something.

    1. She is a critical thinker and problem solver. [ ] [ ]
    2. The teacher encouraged critical analysis of the novel's central themes. [ ] [ ]

  4. Being in or approaching a state of crisis; at a point of danger.

    1. The patient's condition is critical. [ ] [ ]
    2. The damage to the bridge was critical, and it might collapse soon. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

crucial vital essential decisive judgmental dangerous serious unstable
critical noun

  1. A serious and dangerous situation.

    1. The patient is out of critical now. [ ] [ ]
    2. We are at a critical juncture in the company's history, needing strong leadership. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "critical" in English means: Expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments; finding fault., Of decisive importance with reference to the outcome; vital., Relating to the careful judgment and evaluation of something., Being in or approaching a state of crisis; at a point of danger..

The phonetic transcription of "critical" is /ˈkrɪtɪkl/ in British English and /ˈkrɪtɪkl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "critical": crucial, vital, essential, decisive, judgmental, dangerous, serious, unstable.

Example usage of "critical": "He is very critical of my work.". More examples on the page.