characterization

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌker-ik-t(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌka-rik-

: the act of characterizing

especially : the artistic representation (as in fiction or drama) of human character or motives

the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others

Examples of characterization in a Sentence

The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.

News reporting requires accurate characterization.

The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.

The story has good characterization.

Recent Examples on the Web

The California Governor’s Office disputes Kominski’s characterization of contractor donations as a vector for political influence. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025

Samantha Markle is now suing over both characterizations and having lost at Federal Court in Tampa, Florida, the case was at the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025

Qatari officials, however, disputed that characterization, saying the notification came while the attack was underway, not beforehand. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

Expect the Nationals to dispute the characterization of their ticket sales as relying on junk fees. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see character entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing characterization

• self-characterization

Rhymes for characterization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Kids Definition

characterization

noun

char·​ac·​ter·​i·​za·​tion ˌkar-ik-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the act of characterizing

2

: the creation of characters (as in a book or play)