Definition of Critical

Adjective: critical kri-ti-kul

Marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
"a critical attitude"
(physics) 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"
Characterized by careful evaluation and judgment
"a critical reading"; "a critical dissertation"; "a critical analysis of Melville's writings"
Urgently needed; absolutely necessary
"a critical element of the plan"; "critical medical supplies";
- vital
Forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis
"a critical point in the campaign"; "the critical test";
- decisive, climacteric
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"
Of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism
"critical acclaim"