critical
critical is a valid 8-letter word worth 12 points in Scrabble and 15 points in Words with Friends.
What does critical mean?
Forming or having the nature of a turning point or crisis.
“a critical point in the campaign”
“the critical test”
Urgently needed; absolutely necessary.
“a critical element of the plan”
“critical medical supplies”
At or of a point at which a property or phenomenon suffers an abrupt change especially having enough mass to sustain a chain reaction.
“a critical temperature of water is 100 degrees C--its boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure”
“critical mass”
Being in or verging on a state of crisis or emergency.
“a critical shortage of food”
“a critical illness”
Characterized by careful evaluation and judgment.
“a critical reading”
“a critical dissertation”
Marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws.
“a critical attitude”
Of or involving or characteristic of critics or criticism.
“critical acclaim”