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

See Examples For:

critical condition

The band’s drummer was in critical condition, Athipat said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

More than 70 people were injured in the blaze at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao just before midnight local time, Thai officials said, including more than 20 in critical condition.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

The woman and child suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the man was listed in critical condition, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

Ten other people were still hospitalised after Thursday's crash -- two in critical condition and eight with injuries -- according to the latest update from Mukdahan Hospital, in the northeast of the country.

From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 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