criticism

noun

crit·​i·​cism ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

a

: the act of criticizing usually unfavorably

seeking encouragement rather than criticism

b

: a critical observation or remark

an unfair criticism

had a minor criticism of the design

c

: critique

2

: the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature

also : writings expressing such evaluation or analysis

an anthology of literary criticism

3

: the scientific investigation of literary documents (such as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history

Synonyms

• critique
• examen
• notice
• review

Examples of criticism in a Sentence

There was much public criticism directed at the senator.

In this job you need to be able to take criticism.

I asked my sister for some constructive criticism of my essay before I tried to revise it.

I had one minor criticism about her design.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Federal Aviation Administration has yet to certify that plane to carry passengers, but criticism of Boeing’s safety and the quality controls in the wake of the Alaska Air incident prompted Boeing to withdraw its request for a waiver necessary to get certification this year. —Chris Isidore, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024

Ballad’s failures to live up to the terms of the COPA agreement were detailed in a KFF Health News investigation last September, and the company faced a new wave of criticism in the months that followed. —Brett Kelman and Samantha Liss, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024

The decision has already garnered criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. —Shawna Mizelle, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2024

Continue reading … ‘PUTTING’ UP A FIGHT – Golf influencer comes to defense of Caitlin Clark amid criticism from basketball stars. —Fox News, 9 Apr. 2024

President Joe Biden sharpened his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as demand grows for the U.S. to take concrete action against Israel’s brutal assault in Gaza. —Jeremy Childs, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2024

Glazer had otherwise kept a low profile since his controversial 2024 Oscars acceptance speech, which has galvanized Hollywood by drawing praise from those urging a ceasefire amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and sharp criticism from pro-Israel and Jewish leaders in Hollywood. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024

The vast majority of the harshest criticism & all responsibility for this war belongs to Hamas. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 6 Apr. 2024

Provide regular positive feedback and constructive criticism and implement a recognition system to ensure they are recognized. —Jason Leverant, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

critic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing criticism

• counter-criticism
• form criticism
• higher criticism
• lower criticism
• self-criticism
• textual criticism

Kids Definition

criticism

noun

crit·​i·​cism ˈkrit-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the act of criticizing and especially of finding fault

2

: a critical remark or comment

3

: a careful judgment or review especially by a critic