English Reference
Adverb

crucially

adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈkɹuʃəɫi/ UK /kɹˈuːʃəlˌi/ cru·cial·ly

adv.in a way that is very important or necessary for something to happen. You use this to emphasize the most important point in a situation.

adv.in a manner that is essential or vital to the success or outcome of a situation. Often used to introduce the most significant factor in a discussion.


SIMPLE

Crucially, the team needs more money to finish the project.

CONTEXTUAL

The new software update is crucially important for the company's security, as it fixes a major bug.

COMPLEX

While the initial strategy was sound, the team failed to account for the local climate, which was crucially overlooked during the planning phase.

Usage crucially depend

Liverpool have moved on Andy Robertson , Ibrahima Konaté and, most crucially, Mohamed Salah , even if he was a shadow of his former self last season.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

Crucially, he produced the goods at set pieces – and we know how important they are for Mikel Arteta.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated