crucial
KROO-shuhl
Crucial (adj) means Extremely important; essential to the outcome of something. Example: “Getting enough sleep is crucial before a big exam.”
adj
1
Extremely important; essential to the outcome of something.
"A secure supply of crude oil is crucial for any modern nation, let alone a superpower."
"The battle of Tali-Ihantala in 1944 is one of the crucial moments in the history of Finland."
"Getting enough sleep is crucial before a big exam."
"Her testimony was crucial to winning the case."
"Clear communication is crucial when a team works across several time zones."
"Language is crucial because it is the best weapon against violence. When children don’t have the words to express their thoughts, they raise their fists."
— A Falun Dafa practitioner in France, Using Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance to Guide My Young Students (2021)
How to use crucial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo important that it could decide how something turns out.
Common pairings
crucial role
crucial decision
crucial to success
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more crucial
- Superlative
- most crucial
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Getting enough sleep is _____ before a big exam.
Etymology
From French crucial, originally a medical term for the cross-shaped knee ligaments (from Latin crux, "cross"); the modern sense of "decisive" comes from Francis Bacon's use of the idea of a signpost at a fork in the road, where a critical choice must be made.
Related words
Rhymes for crucial
See all rhymes for crucial →Frequently asked questions
What does “crucial” mean?
The word “crucial” means extremely important; essential to the outcome of something. In plain terms, so important that it could decide how something turns out.
How do you pronounce “crucial”?
“Crucial” is pronounced KROO-shuhl (/ˈkɹuː.ʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “crucial” in a sentence?
Here is “crucial” used in a sentence: “Getting enough sleep is crucial before a big exam.”
What part of speech is “crucial”?
“Crucial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “crucial” come from?
The word “crucial” comes from Latin.
Is “crucial” a common word?
“Crucial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "crucial" and "important"?
Both words describe things that matter, but "crucial" is stronger than "important." Something crucial is so essential that the outcome depends on it, whereas something merely important is significant but not necessarily decisive.
What is the difference between "crucial" and "critical"?
"Crucial" and "critical" are close synonyms, both meaning extremely important to an outcome. "Critical" often adds a sense of urgency or a turning point, as in a critical moment, while "crucial" emphasises that something is indispensable to success.
When should you use "crucial" instead of "essential"?
Use "crucial" to stress that something is decisive and could determine whether a plan succeeds or fails. "Essential" simply means absolutely necessary or required, without the same emphasis on affecting the final result.
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