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

The ******* represent Townsend’s characterization of abusive tax shelters. —Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

Wednesday's reporting appears to contradict Trump's characterization earlier this month of his conversations with the attorney general about the Epstein documents. —Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025

In filings, prosecutors disputed the characterization. —Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025

Nonprofit officials disputed Kennedy’s characterization of the relationship between the board and himself. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025

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)