All 8 Uses of

critical
in
In Cold Blood

It was perhaps the only criticism ever made of Mr. Clutter as an employer.†
Chpt 1

Moreover, unlike Willie-Jay, he was not critical of Perry's exotic aspirations; he was willing to listen, catch fire, share with him those visions of "guaranteed treasure" lurking in Mexican seas, Brazilian jungles.†
Chpt 1 *

If you are getting your back up-better simmer down as I realize there are none of us who take criticism cheerfully & it is natural to feel a certain amount of resentment towards the one giving this criticism so I am prepared for one or two things-a) Not to hear from you at all, or b) a letter telling me exactly what you think of me.†
Chpt 2

If you are getting your back up-better simmer down as I realize there are none of us who take criticism cheerfully & it is natural to feel a certain amount of resentment towards the one giving this criticism so I am prepared for one or two things-a) Not to hear from you at all, or b) a letter telling me exactly what you think of me.†
Chpt 2

Respect her limitations to comprehend your objectives, and remember that she is touchy towards criticism of your Dad.†
Chpt 2

He is overly sensitive to criticisms that others make of him, and cannot tolerate being made fun of.†
Chpt 4

Definitions:

(1) (critical as in: a critical problem)
important, serious, or dangerous
(2) (critical as in: don't be so critical)
finding fault and telling others; or tending to have unfavorable opinions
(3) (critical as in: critical acclaim)
relating to careful analysis or thoughtful judgement of what is good and bad about something -- possibly from people whose job is to share their expert opinions in a given industry
(4) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
meaning too rare to warrant focus:

See a comprehensive dictionary for more specialized senses of critical including those in mathematics and nuclear energy.