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 characterization that those killed in the attacks are drug-smugglers has been disputed at times by families of the dead. —Dennis Romero, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026

Such strong characterizations and go-for-broke performances, especially among the women, make up for some decidedly contrived plotting. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026

Arielle Konig rejected that characterization. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026

While a state senator backed up that account, Bennet’s campaign disputed the characterization on Tuesday. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 Apr. 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)