Emergency: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to sudden, unexpected situations that require immediate action.

• The ambulance arrived quickly after the 911 call about a medical emergency.
• During the fire drill, we practiced how to respond to an emergency.

Refers to a time of intense difficulty or danger, often with broader implications and lasting effects.

• The company faced a financial crisis after their stocks plummeted.
• During the refugee crisis, many organizations provided humanitarian aid.

Emphasizes the need for prompt action without necessarily implying a danger or disastrous outcome.

• There is an urgency to complete the project before the deadline.
• The doctor stressed the urgency of getting to the hospital for immediate treatment.

Describes a severe and potentially dangerous situation that is pivotal and requires careful handling.

• The patient was in a critical situation after the accident.
• Negotiators worked tirelessly to de-escalate the critical situation in the negotiations.

Situations that require immediate attention and action, not limited to medical issues. It is used for general urgency like natural disasters, fires, or accidents.

• Call 911 in case of an emergency.
• The fire created an emergency that needed to be controlled quickly.

Health-related situations that are not life-threatening but still require prompt medical attention. These are usually handled in specific clinics called urgent care centers.

• I went to urgent care for my sprained ankle.
• Urgent care centers are available for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

Specifically about health-related situations that need immediate medical attention. This can include heart attacks, strokes, or severe injuries.

• The paramedics responded quickly to the medical emergency.
• She was rushed to the hospital due to a medical emergency.

Generally used in a medical context to describe a person whose health status is severe and life-threatening. It often refers to patients in intensive care.

• The patient is in critical condition after the surgery.
• Doctors are doing everything they can for those in critical condition.

This word is typically used to describe unexpected, serious situations that require immediate attention or action, often involving danger or risk.

• Call 911 in case of an emergency.
• The building was evacuated during the emergency.

Use this word to describe situations that require immediate attention or action, but may not be as severe as an 'emergency'. Often, these situations can still become problematic if not addressed quickly.

• I have an urgent meeting to attend.
• Please respond to this email as soon as possible, it is urgent.

Use this word to describe situations, conditions, or stages that are extremely important or dangerous, especially where there is a high risk of failure or serious consequences.

• The patient is in critical condition.
• It is critical that we complete the project on time.

This word is best used to highlight something that is extremely important or essential to the outcome of a situation, though not necessarily with an immediate sense of danger as with 'emergency'.

• Your role in this operation is crucial.
• It is crucial to follow the instructions carefully.