# crucial

/ˈkɹuʃəɫ/ (US) · /kɹˈuːʃəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crucial
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. extremely important

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic · General-service

extremely important because it will affect the final result of something.

For teachers: essential or decisive for determining the outcome or future of a situation; vital to success.

- The goalkeeper made a crucial save in the final minute of the game.
- The research team reached a crucial stage in the experiment where any minor error could invalidate months of data collection.

Usage: Often followed by the prepositions 'to' or 'for'.

### 2. excellent

adjective · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal · Dialect

very good or excellent, especially when talking about music.

For teachers: a slang term of approval meaning excellent or of high quality; historically associated with reggae culture.

- That new track they played last night was absolutely crucial.
- The DJ was known for spinning crucial reggae cuts that you couldn't hear anywhere else in the city.

Teaching tip: This usage is specific to certain dialects and subcultures, particularly in Jamaican English; learners should use 'essential' in most other contexts.

### 3. cross-shaped

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

shaped like a cross.

For teachers: having the form of a cross; cruciform.

- The botanist noted the crucial arrangement of the petals on the rare flower.
- The ancient structure was built upon a crucial ground plan, with four wings extending from a central hub.

Usage: In modern English, 'cruciform' is almost always preferred for this meaning.

## Examples

- Water is crucial for all living things.
- The witness provided crucial evidence that helped the jury reach a final decision in the case.
- While the initial funding was helpful, the team's ability to adapt to shifting market demands proved to be the most crucial factor in their long-term survival.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.