CRITICAL
critical /ˈkrɪtɪkl/ (adj):
#1. extremely important because a future situation will be affected by it.
SYNONYM crucial
Industry leaders are working together to address this critical issue.
a critical factor in the election campaign
The kidneys play a critical role in overall health.
Reducing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is of critical importance.
Emails and spreadsheets contain a lot of business-critical information.
critical to something: Your decision is critical to our future.
critical for something: Timing is critical for success.
mission-critical /ˌmɪʃn ˈkrɪtɪkl/ (adj):
#1. essential for an organization to function successfully.
mission-critical employees/ software/ applications.
inevitable /ɪnˈevɪtəbl/ (n):
#1. that you cannot avoid or prevent.
SYNONYM: unavoidable;
- It was an inevitable consequence of the decision.
- it is inevitable that It was inevitable that there would be job losses.
- A rise in the interest rates seems inevitable.
# [only before noun] (often humorous) happening so often that you always expect it.
- the English and their inevitable cups of tea.
unavoidable /ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbl/ (adj):
#1. impossible to avoid or prevent.
unavoidable delays
Recession at the time seemed unavoidable.
irrefutable /ˌɪrɪˈfjuːtəbl/ or /ɪˈrefjətəbl/ (adj):
# (formal) that cannot be proved wrong and that must therefore be accepted.
- irrefutable evidence.
essential /ɪˈsenʃl/ (adj):
#1. completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity.
SYNONYM vital
an essential part/feature of something
an essential element/ingredient/component of something
essential to something Money is not essential to happiness.
essential for something: Experience is essential for this job.
it is essential to do something: It is essential to keep the two groups separate.
it is essential for somebody/something to do something: It is absolutely essential for all those involved in education to be computer-literate.
it is essential that: It is essential that you have some experience.
vital /ˈvaɪtl/ (adj):
#1. necessary or essential in order for something to succeed or exist.
vital for somebody/something: the vitamins that are vital for health
Patience and a cool head are vital for investors.
vital to something: Good financial accounts are vital to the success of any enterprise.
Reading is of vital importance in language learning.
The police play a vital role in our society.
it is vital that: It is vital that you keep accurate records when you are self-employed
it is vital to do something: It was vital to show that he was not afraid.
it is vital for somebody/ something to do something: It is absolutely vital for people with a mental illness to see their loved ones.
indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adj):
#1. too important to be without.
SYNONYM essential
Cars have become an indispensable part of our lives.
indispensable to somebody/something: She made herself indispensable to the department.
indispensable for something/for doing something: A good dictionary is indispensable for learning a foreign language.
key /kiː/ (adj):
#1. [usually before noun] most important; essential.
SYNONYM: critical; vital;
the key issue/ factor/ point.
a key element /component/ part/ feature.
He was a key figure in the campaign.
Both are key players in the peace process.
She played a key role in the dispute.
‘Caution’ is the key word in this situation.
His contribution could be key.
key to something: Good communication is key to our success.
key to doing something: Better training for our staff has been key to improving the service.
essence /ˈesns/ (n):
# [uncountable] the most important quality or feature of something, that makes it what it is.
His paintings capture the essence of France.
in essence: In essence (= when you consider the most important points), your situation isn't so different from mine.
> of the essence (idiom):
# necessary and very important.
In this situation time is of the essence (= we must do things as quickly as possible).
day (n):
> at the end of the day (idiom):
# (informal) used to introduce the most important fact after everything has been considered; something that you say before you give the most important fact of a situation.
At the end of the day, he'll still have to make his own decision.
Of course I'll listen to what she has to say but at the end of the day, it's my decision.
ultimate /ˈʌltɪmət/ (adj):
#1. [only before noun] happening at the end of a long process.
SYNONYM final
our ultimate goal/aim/objective/target
We will accept ultimate responsibility for whatever happens.
The ultimate decision lies with the parents.
#2. most extreme; best, worst, greatest, most important, etc.
This race will be the ultimate test of your skill.
Silk sheets are the ultimate luxury.
Nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent.
#3. from which something originally comes.
SYNONYM basic, fundamental
the ultimate truths of philosophy and science
We could not trace the ultimate source of the rumours.
indifference /ɪnˈdɪfrəns/ (n):
# [uncountable] (formal) lack of importance.
This cannot be regarded as a matter of indifference.
# [uncountable] the fact of being average or not very good
SYNONYM mediocrity;
the indifference of the midfield players.
mediocrity /ˌmiːdiˈɑːkrəti/ (n):
# (plural mediocrities) (disapproving) [uncountable] the fact of being average or not very good.
His acting career started brilliantly, then sank into mediocrity.