# pivotal

/ˈpɪvətəɫ/ (US) · /pˈɪvətəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pivotal
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. crucial or central

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely important because it changes the way something develops.

For teachers: being of crucial importance; acting as the central point on which a situation or series of events turns.

- The discovery of the new evidence played a pivotal role in the trial.
- The CEO's decision to pivot toward renewable energy proved to be a pivotal moment in the company's fifty-year history.

### 2. relating to a physical pivot

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

relating to a central point that something turns on.

For teachers: of, relating to, or functioning as a physical pivot or hinge.

- The machine has a pivotal joint that allows the arm to move in a circle.
- The engineer inspected the pivotal mechanism to ensure the bridge could rotate smoothly during high winds.

## Examples

- The goal was a pivotal moment in the match.
- The manager's decision to invest in new technology proved pivotal for the company's long-term survival.
- Historians often debate which specific battle was the most pivotal, as a single shift in strategy could have altered the entire trajectory of the war.

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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.