critical
gb/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/ us/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
expressing disapproval or judgment
Saying that you do not like something or think it is wrong.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is critical of [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'critical of' with 'critical to', which has a different meaning related to importance.
Synonyms
disapproving (Softer and more general in tone than 'critical'.)
Antonyms
supportive (Shows encouragement rather than disapproval.)
Collocations
highly critical
|critical remarks
|critical comments
|critical of
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report was highly critical of the government's handling of the crisis.
- She is often critical of her own work.
- Many critics were critical of the film's weak storyline.
Learner examples
- He is critical of the plan.
- She was critical of my idea.
- The teacher is critical of bad spelling.
adjective
B1
property
2
extremely important or necessary
Very important and needed for something to work or be safe.
Usage pattern:
[something] is critical to/for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'critical' here with 'criticizing', but this meaning is about importance, not disapproval.
Synonyms
crucial (Nearly identical in meaning, but sometimes sounds slightly less formal.)
Antonyms
unimportant (Lacking importance or necessity.)
Collocations
critical role
|critical point
|critical factor
|critical importance
Themes
business
|science
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It is critical to follow these safety instructions.
- Funding is critical for the project's success.
- Good communication is critical to a healthy relationship.
Learner examples
- Water is critical for life.
- It is critical to wear a helmet.
- Sleep is critical for health.
adjective
B2
property
3
at a dangerous or life-threatening stage
Very serious and possibly leading to death or disaster.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is in a critical condition/state/situation
Synonyms
serious (Less intense than 'critical', which implies urgency and danger.)
Antonyms
stable (In a safe and unchanging condition, especially in medical contexts.)
Collocations
critical condition
|critical state
|critical situation
Themes
health
|emergencies
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The patient remains in critical condition after surgery.
- The economy is in a critical state.
- We are at a critical point in the negotiations.
Learner examples
- He is in critical condition after the crash.
- The company is in a critical situation.
- The child’s health is critical now.
adjective
technical
B2
property
4
relating to analysis and evaluation
Using careful thinking to judge the good and bad parts of something.
Usage pattern:
critical thinking/analysis/evaluation
Synonyms
analytical (Focuses more on breaking down into parts, while 'critical' also involves judgment.)
Antonyms
unquestioning (Accepting without examination or evaluation.)
Collocations
critical thinking
|critical analysis
|critical review
Themes
education
|arts
|arts_entertainment
|communication
Examples
- Critical thinking skills are essential for problem-solving.
- The book received much critical acclaim.
- Her essay was a critical analysis of the novel.
Learner examples
- We learn critical thinking in school.
- He wrote a critical review of the movie.
- The class teaches critical reading skills.
Grammar
Dictionary form
critical
IPA
GB/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
US/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
crit - ic - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (crit)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: critical
Word family
Core family
Related words
critique
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncritical
adjective
uncritically
adverb
Advanced or less common
criticality
noun
Expressions
critical mass
1/kɹˈɪtɪkəl mˈæs/
fixed phrase
minimum amount needed for change to happen
The smallest amount needed for something to start or continue working well.
Examples
- The campaign reached critical mass after going viral online.
- We need a critical mass of supporters to make the project succeed.
in critical condition
1/ˈɪn kɹˈɪtɪkəl kəndˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
very seriously ill or injured
Very sick or badly hurt, and possibly close to dying.
Examples
- The driver is in critical condition after the accident.
- She was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition.
mission-critical
1/mˈɪʃən kɹˈɪtɪkəl/
fixed phrase
technical
essential for success of mission or project
Very important for a plan, job, or system to work well.
Examples
- Data security is mission-critical for this company.
- This software is mission-critical to our daily operations.