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

That characterization applies to Aircarbon production; the partners’ announcements did not include a life cycle assessment for the finished polypropylene blend, though. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026

The end result is spirited but uneven, a show wherein some very big singing nearly succeeds in drowning out needling plot contrivances and characterizations as thin as a wanted poster. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2026

The work was coordinated by Maurizio Sansotera, with electrochemical characterization led by Luca Magagnin and molecular dynamics research contributed by Giuseppina Raffaini. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

As to your former daughter-in-law, your characterization of her comes off as a little harsh. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

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)