lottery – n. a system used to decide who will get or be given something by choosing names or numbers by chance; a process in which a selection is made by chance, not on merit
rival – n. a person or thing that tries to defeat or be more successful than another
stage – n. a particular point or period in the growth or development of something
critical – adj. extremely important
make or break – adj. resulting in either definite success or definite failure (always used before a noun)
pervasive – adj. existing in every part of something; spreading to all parts of something
intent – n. the thing that you plan to do or achieve; an aim or purpose