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

California disciplinary authorities dispute his characterization. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026

Better characterization can give radiologists greater confidence to escalate suspicious findings to PET/CT, biopsy or specialist referral rather than risking growth during surveillance. — Oran Muduroglu, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

In another last-minute filing, his lawyers also object to the characterization about him as a pastor. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Democratic officials have pushed back on those characterizations, described the moves as retribution and said such cuts will harm vulnerable populations. — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 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)