criticism

noun crit·i·cism \ ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Examples: criticism in a Sentence

Definition of criticism

1 a : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably

seeking encouragement rather than criticism

b : a critical observation or remark

an unfair criticism

had a minor criticism of the design

c : critique

2 : the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature; also : writings expressing such evaluation or analysis

an anthology of literary criticism

3 : the scientific investigation of literary documents (such as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history

See criticism defined for English-language learners

See criticism defined for kids

Examples of criticism in a Sentence

There was much public criticism directed at the senator.
In this job you need to be able to take criticism.
I asked my sister for some constructive criticism of my essay before I tried to revise it.
I had one minor criticism about her design.

Recent Examples of criticism from the Web

While Washington has long ago grown numb to Trump’s unrelenting mayhem, the president’s two days of undulations in Brussels, rolling between enraged criticism and boastful, happy proclamations, left many leaders feeling queasy.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: GOP candidates caught in a bind on Medicaid," 13 July 2018
Mr Trump’s criticisms echo those of hard-Brexiteers, who complain that keeping close ties to the EU will scupper plans for trade deals with other countries.

— The Economist, "Donald Trump lays into Britain’s Brexit plan," 13 July 2018
How deeply will the country address the problems — most significantly those dealing with human rights — that have racked the project with external criticism and doubt from the moment Qatar won the hosting rights eight years ago?

— andrew keh, New York Times, "The 2022 World Cup Plants Some Trees and Prepares to Step Into the Spotlight," 12 July 2018
Yes, there are worrying trends in the government’s responses to media criticism and protests.

— james stavridis, Time, "Democracy Isn't Perfect, But It Will Still Prevail," 12 July 2018
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been vocal in his support of current goalkeeper Loris Karius over the past week, with the German still the subject of criticism and ridicule following his disastrous performance in the Champions League final.

— SI.com, "Barcelona Goalkeeper Prepared to Submit Transfer Request Amid Rumours of Liverpool Interest," 9 July 2018
Celebrity moms have received plenty of unwarranted criticism and unsolicited advice about the most ridiculous things.

— emily wang, Allure, "People Are Mom-Shaming Jessie James Decker for Letting Her Daughter Get a Sun Tan," 2 July 2018
This seems less like ring-chasing than life-fulfilling for James, despite criticism to the contrary, and merely the method the game’s biggest star chose to ride off into the Hollywood sunset after one final act.

— david haugh, chicagotribune.com, "LeBron James opens door in East — so now the Bulls must re-sign Zach LaVine," 2 July 2018
In a separate interview, Soto answers Grayson’s criticisms and lays out his vision for the district.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Alan Grayson, Darren Soto on 2 weekend shows," 28 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'criticism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of criticism

¹critic + -ism

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1607

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

criticism Synonyms

Synonyms

critique, notice, review;

appraisal, assessment, evaluation;

analysis, examination, opinion, outline, study, survey;

CRITICISM Defined for English Language Learners

criticism

noun

Definition of criticism for English Language Learners

: the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing : the act of criticizing someone or something
: a remark or comment that expresses disapproval of someone or something
: the activity of making careful judgments about the good and bad qualities of books, movies, etc.