criteria
kreye-TEER-ree-uh
Criteria (noun) means the plural of "criterion" — standards or requirements used to judge something. Example: “The judges marked each dish using clear criteria such as taste and presentation.”
noun
1
The plural of "criterion" — standards or requirements used to judge something.
"The judges marked each dish using clear criteria such as taste and presentation."
"What criteria did the school use to choose the winning essay?"
"Applicants must meet all the eligibility criteria."
How to use criteria
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA set of standards used to decide or judge something.
Common mistake
"Criteria" is already plural — the singular is "criterion." Avoid saying "this criteria" or "a criteria."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
meet the criteria
eligibility criteria
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Word forms
- Plural
- criterias
Fill the gap
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The judges marked each dish using clear _____ such as taste and presentation.
Etymology
The plural of criterion, formed the Greek way (-on becomes -a).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for criteria
See all rhymes for criteria →Frequently asked questions
What does “criteria” mean?
The word “criteria” means the plural of "criterion" — standards or requirements used to judge something. In plain terms, a set of standards used to decide or judge something.
How do you pronounce “criteria”?
“Criteria” is pronounced kreye-TEER-ree-uh (/kɹaɪˈtɪɹ.i.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “criteria” in a sentence?
Here is “criteria” used in a sentence: “Applicants must meet all the eligibility criteria.”
What part of speech is “criteria”?
“Criteria” is a noun.
Where does the word “criteria” come from?
The word “criteria” comes from Greek. The plural of criterion, formed the Greek way (-on becomes -a).
Is “criteria” a common word?
“Criteria” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between 'criteria' and 'criterion'?
'Criterion' is the singular form, meaning one standard or requirement, while 'criteria' is its plural, meaning two or more. So you say 'one criterion' but 'several criteria.'
Is it correct to say 'this criteria'?
No. Because 'criteria' is plural, you should say 'these criteria' for more than one standard, or 'this criterion' for a single standard. 'This criteria' and 'one criteria' are common but nonstandard errors.
Should you say 'criteria is' or 'criteria are'?
Use 'criteria are,' because 'criteria' is plural and takes a plural verb, as in 'the criteria are strict.' Use 'the criterion is' when you are referring to a single standard.
What are common examples of criteria?
Common uses include selection criteria, eligibility criteria, and acceptance criteria. In each case the criteria are the set of standards used to decide who or what qualifies.
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