criticism
KRIH-tih-sihzm
Criticism (noun) means a statement or judgment pointing out faults or problems. Example: “The report faced heavy criticism from experts.”
noun
1
A statement or judgment pointing out faults or problems.
"The report faced heavy criticism from experts."
"He took the criticism calmly and promised to improve his work."
"Constant criticism from her boss made her lose confidence."
2
The careful, detailed analysis or evaluation of a work, especially in art or literature.
"She teaches literary criticism at the university."
"The magazine publishes film criticism written by well-known reviewers."
"Her book of art criticism looks at how painters use light."
How to use criticism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComments that point out problems or faults, or the formal study/evaluation of creative work.
Common pairings
face criticism
constructive criticism
literary criticism
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Word forms
- Plural
- criticisms
Fill the gap
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The report faced heavy _____ from experts.
Etymology
From critic + -ism.
Synonyms
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disapproval
fault-finding
condemnation
flak
reproach
admonishment
blame
brickbatting
castigation
censure
onus
chastisement
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for criticism
See all rhymes for criticism →Frequently asked questions
What does “criticism” mean?
The word “criticism” means a statement or judgment pointing out faults or problems. In plain terms, comments that point out problems or faults, or the formal study/evaluation of creative work.
How do you pronounce “criticism”?
“Criticism” is pronounced KRIH-tih-sihzm (/ˈkɹɪtɪsɪzm̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “criticism” in a sentence?
Here is “criticism” used in a sentence: “The report faced heavy criticism from experts.”
What is another word for “criticism”?
Words with a similar meaning to “criticism” include admonishment, blame, brickbatting, castigation, censure and onus.
What is the opposite of “criticism”?
The opposite of “criticism” — its antonyms — are advice and praise.
What part of speech is “criticism”?
“Criticism” is a noun.
Is “criticism” a common word?
“Criticism” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “criticism” have?
“Criticism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement or judgment pointing out faults or problems.
What is the difference between criticism and feedback?
Feedback is any information about how you are doing, positive or negative, given to help you adjust. Criticism specifically points out faults or weaknesses. All criticism is feedback, but not all feedback is criticism — praise is feedback too. Criticism focuses on what is wrong rather than what is right.
Is criticism a bad thing?
Not necessarily. Destructive criticism attacks without helping, but constructive criticism identifies problems while suggesting how to fix them, which is valuable for improvement. The word also has a neutral sense: literary or art criticism is careful analysis of a work, not mere fault-finding.
What are the types of criticism?
People usually distinguish constructive criticism, which aims to help by offering solutions, from destructive criticism, which only tears down. In the arts and academia, criticism also names a whole discipline — literary, film or art criticism — meaning the serious analysis and evaluation of works.
What is constructive criticism?
Constructive criticism points out a fault while also offering a practical way to improve it. It is specific, focused on the work rather than the person, and delivered to help rather than to wound. The goal is progress, which is why teachers and employers value it so highly.
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