criticality

noun

1. The quality of being extremely important, serious, or urgent; crucial importance.

   C1

   usually uncountableformal

   • "The criticality of the issue became clear during the meeting."B2
   • "The team assessed the criticality of each problem before deciding what to fix first."B1
   • "The report emphasizes the criticality of protecting sensitive data."C1

2. In nuclear physics and engineering, the state in which a nuclear fission chain reaction is self-sustaining.

   C2

   uncountabletechnical

   • "The reactor must reach criticality before it can produce power."B2
   • "Operators monitor the core closely as it approaches criticality."C2

3. In risk or safety analysis, the degree of importance or severity assigned to a possible failure or hazard.

   C2

   uncountabletechnical

   • "The team rated the criticality of each risk."C1
   • "Criticality levels help managers decide which failures need immediate attention."C2