self-critical
adjective
self-crit·i·cal
ˌself-ˈkri-ti-kəl 
: 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
Mary A. WhooleyExamples of self-critical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Self-critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-critical. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share