criticism

noun

crit·​i·​cism ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

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

Synonyms of criticism

• critique
• review

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 on the Web

And despite countless new criticisms emerging every day, there is belief from people such as Eto’o, that the leader can somehow stay on. — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

During Monday’s press conference, Bessent sought to tamp down on criticism that the administration was pulling its punches. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026

After facing criticism for selling a children’s circus clown Halloween costume that critics claimed evoked blackface and minstrel shows, Target has publicly apologized. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026

Previously, Vogel slammed Gayle King and Megyn Kelly for their recent criticism. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

critic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing criticism

• counter-criticism
• form criticism
• higher criticism
• lower criticism
• self-criticism
• textual criticism

Rhymes for criticism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Kids Definition

criticism

noun

crit·​i·​cism ˈkrit-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the act of criticizing and especially of finding fault

2

: a critical remark or comment

3

: a careful judgment or review especially by a critic