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

Salmon is now said to be in a critical condition with just a few thousand migrating up the Wye each year.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

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

The woman remains in a critical condition, officers said.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, a top health ministry official, said one of those rescued is in critical condition, seven are receiving emergency treatment and others are being treated for minor injuries.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

He was in critical condition and spent three months in the hospital.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario