WordGarden.iocritical
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈɪtɪkəl/
US
- /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
Meanings
Adjective
extremely important or decisive
expressing negative judgment or finding fault
involving careful analysis and judgment
More meaningsFewer meanings
dangerously serious, especially in a medical condition
at a threshold where a physical or technical system changes state
Beyond the definition
Being critical isn't always about finding fault! It can mean extremely important—like a critical moment in history or a critical ingredient in a recipe. It can also describe a situation that is very serious or dangerous, like a patient in critical condition. However, it also means expressing harsh judgments about something. A film critic, for instance, is someone whose job is to critically assess movies, pointing out both strengths and weaknesses. If your friend asks for honest feedback on their new haircut, they're asking you to be critical—but hopefully kind! Think of it as carefully evaluating something, whether that evaluation leads to praise or a pointed critique.
The word "critical" has a fascinating duality. It can describe something absolutely essential—a critical component without which a system won't function. For example: "Water is critical for survival," or "A stable economy is critical for long-term growth." In these contexts, it means vitally important or decisive.
However, "critical" also carries the meaning of expressing adverse or disapproving judgments. A critical review of a book might highlight its flaws and weaknesses. Someone who is habitually critical tends to find fault with others. This sense comes from the idea of deep analysis—but that analysis isn't always positive!
Context usually clarifies which meaning is intended. If someone says, "The patient is in critical condition," they mean the situation is urgent and dangerous. But if they say, "She was very critical of my presentation," they mean she found specific faults with it.
Interestingly, the root of "critical" comes from the Greek word kritikos, meaning "able to judge." At its heart, being critical is about careful evaluation—whether that leads to recognizing importance or pointing out flaws. A good critic strives for fairness and insight, offering constructive feedback rather than simply tearing things down.
Examples
- 1
Child development
Sleep is critical for young children.
- 2
Urgent problem
It's critical that we find the leak before it spreads.
- 3
Thinking skills
Good teachers want students to develop critical thinking.
- Phrasecritical thinking
careful, independent judgment
- 4
Negative feedback
She was critical of the way I handled the meeting.
- Patterncritical of + person/action
pointing out faults or problems
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public review
The report takes a critical look at how the city spends public money.
- Patterntake a critical look at + issue
examine carefully, often noticing problems
- 6
Medical emergency
After the crash, one of the passengers was in critical condition.
- Domainin medicine, critical condition
dangerously ill
- 7
Negotiation stage
We are at a critical point in the negotiations, so every word matters.
- Phrasea critical point
a stage where the result could soon change
- 8
Reviews
The film was not a big hit, but it received critical acclaim.
- Phrasecritical acclaim
praise from professional reviewers
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- fault-finding
Used with (collocations)
- critical role
- critical factor
- critical to success
- mission-critical
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- criticaladjective