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

While a very small glimpse into what the characterization will look like — with an even shorter visual introduction — the trailer indicates that more chameleonic work from Pattinson is on the way. —David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2026

But some people familiar with the inner workings of the federal government dispute that characterization. —Andrea Hsu, NPR, 26 May 2026

This entry discusses theories of press–government relations, the functions of the state in relation to the press, and characterizations of the press’s role in relation to government. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

Consult qualified tax counsel before changing the characterization of any existing payment program. —Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 25 May 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)