critical

/kɹˈɪtɪkəl/ · 3 syllables

Meaning

adjective

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
“a critical attitude”
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”
characterized by careful evaluation and judgment
“a critical reading”
urgently needed; absolutely necessary
“a critical element of the plan”
forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis
“a critical point in the campaign”
being in or verging on a state of crisis or emergency
“a critical shortage of food”
of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism
“critical acclaim”

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