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Definition of criticism

criticism

/ˈkrɪt.ɪ.sɪz.əm/
crit · i · cism
Adverb:critically
•
Plural:criticisms
•
Adjective:critical
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criticism Lexical Profile

criticism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.

Example

"The government faced severe criticism over its handling of the economic crisis."

2

The reasoned analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary, artistic, or scholarly work.

Example

"She specialized in nineteenth-century literary criticism during her graduate studies."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for criticism

• Nearby Words

critical
critically
criticalness
criticism
criticizable
criticize
criticizer

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from the noun 'critic' plus the suffix '-ism', ultimately tracing back to the Ancient Greek 'kritikos' (able to discern or judge) and 'krinein' (to separate or decide).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Criticism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/criticism
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