self-critical

adjective

self-crit·​i·​cal ˌself-ˈkri-ti-kəl How to pronounce self-critical (audio)
: inclined to find fault with oneself : critical of oneself
a self-critical perfectionist
… helping patients identify and challenge pessimistic or self-critical thoughts that cause or perpetuate depression.Mary A. Whooley

Examples of self-critical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In his voiceover, McElwee frequently addresses Adrian and eulogizes his memory, but also expresses self-critical ruminations about his part in his son’s death, how his filmmaking may have contributed to his shaky self-image and the growing distance between them. Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2025 The first self-critical comment accomplishes those goals. Jay Sullivan, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 Expect results or revelations now, and avoid being too self-critical. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 3 Aug. 2025 Last—but definitely not least—the influence of social media, videos, and movies can be a major reason kids are overly self-critical, Bibi notes. ​wendy Wisner, Parents, 21 July 2025 Her self-critical editing generated a great deal of confusion. Susan Gubar june 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 Avery, a shy and self-critical perfectionist, is drawn to Taylor but wary of her reputation as a heartbreaker. Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-critical was in 1841

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Cite this Entry

“Self-critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-critical. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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