pivotal
/ˈpɪvɪtəl/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Of, relating to, or being a pivot.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Being of crucial importance; central, key.
Adjective
Examples
It is time the international community faced the reality: we have an unmanageable, unfair, distortionary global tax regime. It is a tax system that is pivotal in creating the increasing inequality that marks most advanced countries today […].
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “pivotal” mean?
Of, relating to, or being a pivot.
Is “pivotal” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.