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criticality

criticality

criticality

(OP)
Have you noticed that the word critical is being used for more than seventy applications in about two scores of disciplines ? Why do you think it has been so extensively used ? Is there a lack of words in the english language to define a maximum, a minimum, a point of abrupt changes, a threshold, a sudden (or not) change in degree, or a unique condition ?  Any comment ?

RE: criticality

It's the attention grabber.
It's needed to emphasise that at a critical level something needs to be done. It's almost as if nothing will happen if you don't use emotive words.
Pretty soon "critical" will be as apathy indiucing as important and we'll all have to think of another word to use.

JMW
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RE: criticality

Hmmm.   Let's apply some critical thinking.  I don't mean to be critical, but is this really a critical issue?  (Ok, maybe we do need some more words for critical.)  

In and of itself, the term "critical application" doesn't mean much more to me than "pay attention, this application is more important to us than others."  Of course, it's all relative--what might be critical to one may not be critical to another.

The only thing I know for sure: "critical" will cost at least 15% more!

RE: criticality

I always get a sick twinge in my stomach when I hear the word critical used in a movie to describe imminent danger with a nuclear reactor.  In reactors, critical is good.  It describes a state of steady power output.

RE: criticality

In the Aviation Industry the term "AOG" (Aircraft On Ground) is becoming overused also.
Every purchasing agent uses AOG to "expedite" the parts they need.
So when there is an aircraft sitting on the ramp, ready to fly except for the needed part, and they need it "AOG" they have to call and beg..."No really, this one is really an AOG situation! No kidding"

Yeah, Yeah....go cry wolf somewhere else.

Guess I'll get back to work on this AOG repair...the Aircraft is due out of check next week!

Well...it IS sitting on the ground. Isn't it?

Yeah, well Take-offs are optional.
Landings are mandatory!

RE: criticality

Many papers have the word in their title. The thinking must be to make the paper sound more important. It's been bastardised into a buzzword. Urrggh!

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