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

Deft plotting, vivid characterization, and murky shenanigans power this relentlessly entertaining tale. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026

Some outlets speculated the muted rollout of Kalshi’s new partnerships was a response to the backlash the New York teams received, although the teams disputed that characterization to CNN Sports. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Green denied that characterization and declined to elaborate on the challenges that delayed the delivery beyond the missing money. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Rankin, in an email sent to the Observer through board communications director Sheri Costa, disputed Hill’s characterization. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 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)