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

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

Three of the wounded were in critical condition, officials said.

From Barron's

He said 14 people were taken to hospitals where three remain in critical condition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Of the 14 people taken to the hospital, three are in critical condition Austin-Travis County Emergency Management Services head Rob Luckritz said.

From BBC

All three were in a critical condition at hospital.

From BBC