critical condition

American  

[krit-i-kuhl kuhn-dish-uhn] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl kənˈdɪʃ ən /

noun

1. Medicine/Medical. an unstable state, resulting from severe illness or injury, in which the patient’s vital signs and other symptoms indicate a significant risk of death.

   An 80-year-old man with serious head injuries was rushed from the accident scene to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

2. a state of serious disrepair or disarray.

   After years of underfunding, the city’s infrastructure is in critical condition.

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Etymology

Origin of critical condition

First recorded in 1860–65 critical condition for def. 1; 1950–55 critical condition for def. 2

Example Sentences

At least 28 people were taken to the hospital for evaluation after exposure, including seven emergency responders; one person was in critical condition on Wednesday afternoon, according to Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Her daughter, who was identified by neighbors as Meera Varma, is in critical condition.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Turkish officials said 13 others were wounded, with six in critical condition.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The driver was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Virginia DiAngelo is reported in good condition this morning at Easton General Hospital, while Benjamin, who was flown to the pediatric intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital, remains in critical condition.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings