B2 noun Neutral

crucial

/ˈkruː.ʃəl/

Extremely important or necessary, especially because it will affect the success or failure of something. It is often used to describe a decision, a piece of information, or a specific stage in a process that is decisive.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining your energy levels during the day.

Staying hydrated is extremely important for keeping your energy up.

2

The witness's testimony proved crucial to the prosecution's case.

The statement from the witness was a deciding factor for the legal team.

3

It's crucial that we get there on time or we'll miss the start of the movie.

It is really important that we arrive punctually so we don't miss anything.

Word Family

Noun
cruciality
Adverb
crucially
Adjective
crucial
Related
crux
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'crux' or a 'crossroads'. When you are at a crossroads, the path you choose is 'crucial' because it determines where you will end up.

Quick Quiz

The goalkeeper made a ____ save in the final minute, ensuring his team won the championship.

Correct!

The correct answer is: crucial

Examples

1

Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining your energy levels during the day.

everyday

Staying hydrated is extremely important for keeping your energy up.

2

The witness's testimony proved crucial to the prosecution's case.

formal

The statement from the witness was a deciding factor for the legal team.

3

It's crucial that we get there on time or we'll miss the start of the movie.

informal

It is really important that we arrive punctually so we don't miss anything.

4

Further research is crucial to understanding the long-term effects of the climate shift.

academic

More study is necessary to comprehend the lasting impacts of climate change.

5

The CEO stated that securing this partnership is crucial for the company's Q4 growth.

business

The leader said this deal is essential for the business to grow in the final quarter.

Word Family

Noun
cruciality
Adverb
crucially
Adjective
crucial
Related
crux

Common Collocations

crucial factor a decisive element
crucial role a vital part played in a situation
crucial importance of the highest significance
crucial stage a very important phase in a process
crucial decision a choice that determines the final outcome

Common Phrases

the crux of the matter

the most important part of a problem or argument

crucial turning point

a moment when a significant change occurs

it is crucial that

it is of absolute necessity that

Often Confused With

crucial vs critical

While often synonyms, 'critical' can also mean 'disapproving' or 'relating to a crisis', whereas 'crucial' focuses specifically on importance to an outcome.

crucial vs important

'Important' is a general term; 'crucial' is much stronger and implies that failure is likely if this specific thing is missing.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'crucial' when you want to emphasize that something is not just 'good to have' but is a 'must-have' for success. It is frequently followed by the prepositions 'to' or 'for'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'very crucial' or 'more crucial'. Since 'crucial' is an extreme adjective (meaning 'of the utmost importance'), it is technically non-gradable and shouldn't be modified by 'very'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'crux' or a 'crossroads'. When you are at a crossroads, the path you choose is 'crucial' because it determines where you will end up.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'crux' (cross), originally referring to a cross-shaped mark or a crossroads where a decisive choice must be made.

Grammar Patterns

crucial to + noun/ing crucial for + noun it is crucial that + subject + [base verb/subjunctive]

Quick Quiz

The goalkeeper made a ____ save in the final minute, ensuring his team won the championship.

Correct!

The correct answer is: crucial

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B2

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