# vital

/ˈvaɪtəɫ/ (US) · /vˈaɪtəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. essential or very important

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely important or necessary for something to succeed or exist.

For teachers: essential to the existence, operation, or prosperity of something; indispensable.

- Good communication is vital for a healthy relationship.
- The ambassador played a vital role in the peace negotiations, acting as a bridge between the two opposing factions when talks nearly collapsed.

### 2. necessary for life

adjective · CEFR B2

needed to stay alive, like your heart or your breath.

For teachers: necessary to the maintenance of life or the functioning of living organisms.

- The patient's vital organs were monitored closely after the surgery.
- The paramedics worked quickly to protect the victim's vital functions while they prepared for emergency transport to the trauma centre.

### 3. full of energy

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

full of energy, life, and excitement.

For teachers: full of energy, spirit, or vitality; manifesting a lively and vigorous character.

- The city felt vital and alive with music and street performers.
- Despite her advanced age, she remained a vital presence in the community, constantly launching new initiatives to support local artists.

### 4. relating to life records

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

relating to official records of births, marriages, and deaths.

For teachers: pertaining to the recording of major life events for legal or statistical purposes.

- You need to provide your vital records, like a birth certificate, for the visa.
- The government department is responsible for maintaining vital statistics, including the registration of all births and deaths within the province.

Usage: Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'vital statistics' or 'vital records'.

## Examples

- Regular exercise is vital for maintaining good health.
- The support of local volunteers is vital to the success of the community garden project.
- Maintaining a transparent supply chain is vital for ensuring ethical standards and consumer trust in the global fashion industry.

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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.