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
Shana Lebowitz… he's learned discipline, beneficial self-criticism … and the ability to develop a regimen in his day-to-day life.—Hillary Gavan
Hillary GavanExamples of self-criticism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But if your reflection is limited to replaying the negative parts of your social interactions and perpetuating feelings of shame or self-criticism, that’s less constructive, says Janeé Steele, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
—Seraphina Seow, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025
French Gates told LinkedIn News in an interview that published on March 4.
Both pieces of advice share a common theme: If your self-criticism prevents you from reaching your goal, try to have patience with yourself.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Over the years, Williams has tried to calm the paralyzing effects of his self-criticism.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
However, the perfectionist nature of Virgo can also increase the fear of making mistakes and the patterns of self-criticism that try to keep us down.
—Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025
The Need for Parents to Get 'Real' with One Another
Unfortunately, self-criticism can be difficult to ward off.
—Christian Dashiell, Parents, 10 Mar. 2025
Not that men don’t experience self-doubt, but research shows that women are particularly prone to self-criticism and second-guessing ourselves.
—Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Remember: This isn’t about sugarcoating or self-criticism.
—Adam Stott, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
These reflections aren’t about self-criticism but self-awareness and —making room for growth and self-compassion.
—Alan Fleischmann, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
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Seraphina Seow, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2025
French Gates told LinkedIn News in an interview that published on March 4.
Both pieces of advice share a common theme: If your self-criticism prevents you from reaching your goal, try to have patience with yourself.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025
Over the years, Williams has tried to calm the paralyzing effects of his self-criticism.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
However, the perfectionist nature of Virgo can also increase the fear of making mistakes and the patterns of self-criticism that try to keep us down.
—Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025
The Need for Parents to Get 'Real' with One Another
Unfortunately, self-criticism can be difficult to ward off.
—Christian Dashiell, Parents, 10 Mar. 2025
Not that men don’t experience self-doubt, but research shows that women are particularly prone to self-criticism and second-guessing ourselves.
—Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Remember: This isn’t about sugarcoating or self-criticism.
—Adam Stott, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
These reflections aren’t about self-criticism but self-awareness and —making room for growth and self-compassion.
—Alan Fleischmann, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-criticism. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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