crucial

[ kroo-shuhl ]

adjective

1. involving an extremely important decision or result; decisive; critical:

   a crucial experiment.

   Synonyms: significant, essential, vital, momentous

2. severe; trying.
3. of the form of a cross; cross-shaped.

crucial

/ ˈkruːʃəl /

adjective

1. involving a final or supremely important decision or event; decisive; critical
2. informal.
   very important
3. slang.
   very good

Derived Forms

• ˈcrucially, adverb

Other Word Forms

• cru·ci·al·i·ty [kroo-shee-, al, -i-tee, kroo-, shal, -], noun
• crucial·ly adverb
• non·crucial adjective
• non·crucial·ly adverb
• pre·crucial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucial¹

First recorded in 1700–10; from Latin cruci- (stem of crux cross ( def ) ) + -al ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucial¹

C18: from French, from Latin crux cross

Example Sentences

“Today is crucial. We’ll see the results of removing the clot. At his age, it’s difficult to predict, but we hope he can recover all his functions.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Citizens will be able to catch this crucial moment in the election campaign while also following the decisive periods of the hockey game that could put the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs," a statement read.

From BBC

But it will be especially important for China to boost domestic demand and spending this year as Washington's tariffs hits Beijing's crucial export sector.

From BBC

A crucial test of the country's progress towards democracy will be its ability to hold a fair trial for the perpetrators of these crimes.

From BBC

“I hope this becomes something that everybody understands and looks at as a crucial part of a child’s development,” Mindy Stein said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bottom-line
• central
• compelling
• deciding
• decisive
• essential
• imperative
• momentous
• necessary
• pivotal
• pressing
• touchy
• urgent
• vital

More About Crucial

What does crucial mean?

Crucial means extremely important or involving an extremely important decision or course of action. Close synonyms are critical and decisive.

The word crucial is usually used to describe pivotal moments, choices, or actions that will affect everything that follows, as in We’re at a crucial point in the process—we need to make some big decisions. 

Sometimes, crucial is simply used to describe something that’s extremely important, as in Getting enough sleep is crucial for staying healthy.  

Example: I can’t express how absolutely crucial it is to surround yourself with the right friends.

Where does crucial come from?

The first records of the word crucial come from around the early 1700s. It comes from the Latin crux, which means “cross” and is also the root of the English word crux, meaning “a vital, basic, decisive, or pivotal point.”

Crucial decisions about crucial actions need to be made at crucial times. These crucial points in time are like a crossroads leading to very different directions or different outcomes.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of crucial?

• crucially (adverb)
• cruciality (noun)

What are some synonyms for crucial?

• critical
• decisive
• important
• imperative
• essential
• vital
• pressing

What are some words that share a root or word element with crucial? 

• cruciform
• crux
• cross

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing crucial?

 

• action
• decision
• moment
• point
• juncture
• urgent
• necessary

How is crucial used in real life?

The word crucial is typically used in the discussion of pivotal moments or decisions.

The world is at a crucial juncture.

As governments mobilize trillions of dollars to recover from #COVID19, their decisions will have climate consequences for decades.

The recovery could either propel #ClimateAction forward, or set us back years.https://t.co/Fh6b8AdXyP

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 29, 2020

Both my parents live with significant underlying health conditions. They watch @NicolaSturgeon's briefings every day – as do all their friends – for calm & straightforward guidance. Gives them peace of mind. This is a crucial moment, and the worst possible time to pull the plug. https://t.co/A1F5cNvjfQ

— Mark Flood (@MarkTheShark96) September 13, 2020

if you think you have heard my best lyrics yet, (thank u ur cute but) u rly haven’t. it took 2 years to put this album out bc i scrapped more ideas than i can count!!! a cohesive storyline was crucial to me, so every song had to connect & be its own chapter in a greater narrative

— NIKI (@nikizefanya) September 9, 2020

 

 

Try using crucial!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of crucial?

A. optional
B. critical
C. imperitive
D. important