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

Lancashire Police said the man, also in his 60s, remains in a critical condition in hospital.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Police said the man, also in his 60s, remains in a critical condition in hospital after the incident near Fleetwood Beach Cafe.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Among the living, seven people have been confirmed to have hantavirus, including a French woman in a critical condition, while an eighth case is considered "probable", according to an AFP tally.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

One Indian seafarer has been radioing to say his ship is out of provisions and fresh water, with two crew members in critical condition.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 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