critical condition

[ krit-i-kuhl kuhn-dish-uhn ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of critical condition¹

First recorded in 1860–65 critical condition fordef 1; 1950–55 critical condition fordef 2

Example Sentences

While most cases are mild, commonly characterized by conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms, this previously healthy teen was hospitalized from the virus in critical condition.

From Salon

One died at the scene and the other, a man, was taken to the hospital in critical condition,, according to the fire department.

From Los Angeles Times

Staff at the hospital in the town of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh state were able to break in and rescue 44 infants, but at least 16 are in a critical condition, authorities said.

From BBC

In addition, a teenager in British Columbia was infected by an unknown source and as of Friday was hospitalized in critical condition.

From Los Angeles Times

“Planet Earth is in critical condition,” said leading climate scientist Johan Rockström, another signatory.

From BBC