Critical (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis; "a critical point in the campaign"; "the critical test".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The doctor said the next 24 hours would be critical in determining the patient's chances of survival.
- The critical point in the negotiations came when the two sides had to agree on the terms of the contract.
- The team's performance in the playoffs was critical in determining their overall ranking for the season.
- The scientist's discovery was critical in leading to a breakthrough in the field of medicine.
- The company's financial situation had reached a critical point, and bankruptcy was a real possibility.
Synonyms
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Meaning 2
Being in or verging on a state of crisis or emergency; "a critical shortage of food"; "a critical illness"; "an illness at the critical stage".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The patient was listed in critical condition at the hospital following the car accident.
- A critical review of the data is required before the decision is made.
- This species of frog is currently facing a critical habitat crisis.
- Water quality at this river has reached critical levels after decades of pollution.
- Malnutrition among young children in this refugee camp is critical, an alarming level not seen before.
Antonyms
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Meaning 3
Characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; "a critical reading"; "a critical dissertation"; "a critical analysis of Melville's writings".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The professor required a critical essay that demonstrated a deep understanding of the novel's themes and symbolism.
- Her critical review of the restaurant was scathing, citing poor service and overpriced dishes.
- The researcher's critical analysis of the data revealed a significant correlation between the variables.
- The student's critical thinking skills were put to the test as she evaluated the arguments presented in the debate.
- The art critic's critical assessment of the exhibition highlighted the artist's use of color and composition.
Antonyms
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Meaning 4
Urgently needed; absolutely necessary; "a critical element of the plan"; "critical medical supplies"; "vital for a healthy society"; "of vital interest".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Critical funding was urgently needed to keep the project from being shut down.
- Access to clean water is a critical element of a successful humanitarian mission.
- The medical team scrambled to procure critical medical supplies as the injured poured in.
- Education is critical for a healthy society, and yet it's being consistently underfunded.
- National security is an area of critical interest to the government, and one that requires careful consideration.
Synonyms
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Meaning 5
Marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws; "a critical attitude".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- She had a critical eye for detail and was always pointing out mistakes in her colleagues' work.
- His critical nature made it difficult for him to accept compliments or praise from others.
- The teacher's critical feedback helped the student to improve her writing skills.
- The art critic's critical review of the exhibition was scathing, but also insightful.
- Her critical attitude towards her own work made her a perfectionist and drove her to continually strive for excellence.
Antonyms
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Meaning 6
Of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism; "critical acclaim".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The movie received critical acclaim from film critics worldwide for its original storyline and outstanding performances.
- Her critical review of the restaurant's service was published in the local newspaper, causing a stir among the community.
- The artist's use of bold colors and abstract shapes earned her critical praise from the art world.
- The critical reception of the new video game was overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers praising its engaging gameplay.
- The company's critical success was largely due to its innovative approach to marketing and customer service.
Related Words
Meaning 7
At or of a point at which a property or phenomenon suffers an abrupt change especially having enough mass to sustain a chain reaction; "a critical temperature of water is 100 degrees C--its boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure"; "critical mass"; "go critical".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The reactor reached a critical point and began to overheat rapidly.
- The scientist carefully measured the critical temperature of the substance to ensure a stable reaction.
- The nuclear plant's operators worked to prevent the reactor from going critical and causing a meltdown.
- The team of engineers struggled to achieve a critical mass of investors to fund their innovative project.
- The company's financial situation was critical, with only enough capital to last a few more months.