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

Experts in this field called to the planning hearing by the AELTC rejected this characterization, pointing to plans to plant five times as many trees as would be removed under the plans. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 24 July 2026

But the sight gag nature of the characterization is overworked. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

The latest news—that the government isn’t just trying to get the reporters to testify before a grand jury but has also subpoenaed their phone records—puts the lie to that characterization. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 22 July 2026

An Army spokesperson refuted that characterization in a statement to the outlet. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 21 July 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)