self-criticism

noun

self-crit·​i·​cism ˌself-ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce self-criticism (audio)
plural self-criticisms
: the act of or capacity for criticizing one's own faults or shortcomings
To impress friends and potential employers, avoid complimenting yourself and trying to disguise it as self-criticism.Shana Lebowitz
… he's learned discipline, beneficial self-criticism … and the ability to develop a regimen in his day-to-day life.Hillary Gavan

Examples of self-criticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But if your reflection is limited to replaying the negative parts of your social interactions and perpetuating feelings of shame or self-criticism, that’s less constructive, says Janeé Steele, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Seraphina Seow, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025 French Gates told LinkedIn News in an interview that published on March 4. Both pieces of advice share a common theme: If your self-criticism prevents you from reaching your goal, try to have patience with yourself. Megan Sauer, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 Over the years, Williams has tried to calm the paralyzing effects of his self-criticism. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 However, the perfectionist nature of Virgo can also increase the fear of making mistakes and the patterns of self-criticism that try to keep us down. Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025 The Need for Parents to Get 'Real' with One Another Unfortunately, self-criticism can be difficult to ward off. Christian Dashiell, Parents, 10 Mar. 2025 Not that men don’t experience self-doubt, but research shows that women are particularly prone to self-criticism and second-guessing ourselves. Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Remember: This isn’t about sugarcoating or self-criticism. Adam Stott, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 These reflections aren’t about self-criticism but self-awareness and —making room for growth and self-compassion. Alan Fleischmann, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-criticism was in 1780

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Cite this Entry

“Self-criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-criticism. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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