self-criticism

noun

self-crit·​i·​cism ˌself-ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

plural self-criticisms

: the act of or capacity for criticizing one's own faults or shortcomings

To impress friends and potential employers, avoid complimenting yourself and trying to disguise it as self-criticism.

—Shana Lebowitz

… he's learned discipline, beneficial self-criticism … and the ability to develop a regimen in his day-to-day life.

—Hillary Gavan

Examples of self-criticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps the most intriguing risk factor for psychopathology gleaned from clinical psychological science, and one that is particularly relevant to the assessment and treatment of postpartum psychopathology, is malignant self-criticism. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026

When social media constantly reminds us there’s another metric to optimize, healthy self-improvement risks fueling self-criticism and anxiety around our bodies, health and self-image. — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026

Peridot acts as a buffer for Virgos, helping to soften their tendency for self-criticism and encouraging a more optimistic outlook. — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

Food for thought Guests are also offered food for thought in workshops on topics like mindfulness, self-compassion over self-criticism, finding your why and how to get better sleep. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-criticism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism