criterion
noun
cri·te·ri·on
krī-ˈtir-ē-ən
also krə-
plural criteria
krī-ˈtir-ē-ə
also krə-
also criterions
1
: a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based
the university's criteria for admission
2
: a characterizing mark or trait
Is criteria singular or plural?: Usage Guide
The plural criteria has been used as a singular for over half a century.
let me now return to the third criteria
—R. M. Nixon
that really is the criteria
—Bert Lance
Many of our examples, like the two foregoing, are taken from speech. But singular criteria is not uncommon in edited prose, and its use both in speech and writing seems to be increasing. Only time will tell whether it will reach the unquestioned acceptability of agenda.
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