vital

adjective

vi·​tal ˈvī-tᵊl 

1

a

: of the utmost importance

a vital clue

vital resources

b

: fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: such as

(1)

: tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating

(2)

: destructive to life : mortal

2

a

: concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life

vital organs

blood and other vital fluids

b

: existing as a manifestation of life

3

: full of life and vigor : animated

4

: characteristic of life or living beings

5

: recording data relating to lives

6

: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

vitally

ˈvī-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of vital

• energetic
• dynamic
• robust
• powerful
• vigorous
• lively

Choose the Right Synonym for vital

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of vital in a Sentence

These matters are vital to national defense.

The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum.

your heart, lungs, and other vital organs

Exercise keeps her young and vital.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s been a long road back for Scherr, who was supposed to be a vital member of last year’s Elite Eight team alongside Hailey Van Lith, Madison Conner and Donovyn Hunter in the backcourt. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2025

For Xi and other members, having elders like O’Neal share their stories is vital. —J.m. Banks november 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025

As part of Billboard Italia Women in Music 2025, the ceremony also emphasized the vital role of amplifying women’s voices in the music industry, with the Pope receiving a commemorative plaque underscoring this mission. —Billboard Italy, Billboard, 12 Nov. 2025

Ukraine is also likely to home in on Russia's military facilities vital for propping up aerospace manufacturing as part of its strike campaign on high-value Russian assets, the analysts will say. —Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing vital

• élan vital
• vital capacity
• vital signs
• vital statistics

Rhymes for vital

• title
• entitle
• recital
• subtitle

Kids Definition

vital

adjective

vi·​tal ˈvīt-ᵊl 

1

: concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life

the heart and lungs are vital organs

2

: full of vitality : animated

3

: characteristic of life or of living things

vital activities

4

: destructive of life : fatal

a vital wound

5

: of first importance

a vital clue

vitally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

Etymology

Middle English vital "alive, full of life, relating to life," from Latin vitalis "of life," from vita "life"

Medical Definition

vital

adjective

vi·​tal ˈvīt-ᵊl 

1

a

: existing as a manifestation of life

b

: concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life

vital organs

blood and other vital fluids

2

: characteristic of life or living beings

vital activities

3

: recording data relating to lives

vital records

4

: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

vitally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb