critical

crit|i|cal [ `krıtıkl ] adjective ***

▸ 1 saying when something is wrong

▸ 2 very important

▸ 3 difficult to deal with

▸ 4 seriously sick/injured

▸ 5 according to critics

▸ 6 considering carefully

▸ 7 at level something happens

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) expressing an opinion when you think something is wrong or bad:

Her father was a very critical man.

He gave a highly critical speech.

critical of: People have been critical of the way she has handled the affair.

2. ) very important:

Classroom practice is a critical factor in children's learning.

critical to: What happens in the next few days is critical to our success.

of critical importance: an issue that is of critical importance to the party

3. ) difficult to deal with because a small mistake could make very bad things happen:

Negotiations have entered a critical phase.

4. ) someone who is critical is very seriously sick or injured and might die:

Several of the passengers are still critical.

in critical condition: Six of the patients were still in critical condition.

5. ) according to people whose job is to give their opinion of things such as new books, plays, or movies:

It wasn't the critical success they had hoped for.

critical acclaim (=admiration): Her latest show has won much critical acclaim.

6. ) only before noun considering something carefully and deciding what the good and bad aspects are:

In his book, Laurence takes a critical look at modern life.

7. ) at a level or standard where important changes start to happen

under someone's critical eye

with someone watching to make sure that everything is done correctly

with a critical eye

carefully in order to make sure that everything is correct or good