1. the state or quality of being critical or of crucial importance; the point at which something becomes critical.
Usage: commonly used in technical, scientific, and business contexts
2. in nuclear physics, the condition in which a nuclear chain reaction becomes self-sustaining.
Usage: technical; nuclear science

Examples

• The criticality of the project deadline meant that all team members had to work overtime.
• Engineers assessed the criticality of each system component before launch.
• The hospital prioritized patients based on the criticality of their conditions.
• Reaching criticality in the reactor required precise control of the fuel rods.
• The criticality of cybersecurity in modern business cannot be overstated.
• Management identified three areas of high criticality for the company's survival.