self-criticism
noun
self-crit·i·cism
ˌself-ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm 
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
Shana Lebowitz… he's learned discipline, beneficial self-criticism … and the ability to develop a regimen in his day-to-day life.—Hillary Gavan
Hillary GavanExamples of self-criticism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
Its efforts to mask its economic stagnation, political infighting, and failure to innovate often fooled U.S. policymakers; the United States’ tendency toward self-criticism, meanwhile, obscured its own advantages.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Research shows that treating yourself with kindness fosters resilience, motivation, and lasting change far more effectively than judgment or self-criticism.
—Chamin Ajjan, Contributor, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
But according to Henry, the Patriots’ rookies are learning that self-criticism has its limits; a critical ingredient to the mental toughness required to stick in the NFL.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
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.
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
Its efforts to mask its economic stagnation, political infighting, and failure to innovate often fooled U.S. policymakers; the United States’ tendency toward self-criticism, meanwhile, obscured its own advantages.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Research shows that treating yourself with kindness fosters resilience, motivation, and lasting change far more effectively than judgment or self-criticism.
—Chamin Ajjan, Contributor, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2025
But according to Henry, the Patriots’ rookies are learning that self-criticism has its limits; a critical ingredient to the mental toughness required to stick in the NFL.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-criticism. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share