Read the dictionary definition of critical. All definitions for this word.
1. marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
1. a critical attitude
2. characterized by careful evaluation and judgment
1. a critical reading
2. a critical dissertation
3. a critical analysis of Melville's writings
3. being in or verging on a state of crisis or emergency
1. a critical shortage of food
2. a critical illness
3. an illness at the critical stage
4. at or of a point at which a property or phenomenon suffers an abrupt change especially having enough mass to sustain a chain reaction
1. a critical temperature of water is 100 degrees C--its boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure
2. critical mass
3. go critical
5. forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis
1. a critical point in the campaign
2. the critical test
6. urgently needed; absolutely necessary
1. a critical element of the plan
2. critical medical supplies
3. vital for a healthy society
4. of vital interest
7. of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism
1. critical acclaim