Word
criteria
Phoneticscri·te·ria
US/kɹaɪˈtɪɹiə/
UK/kɹaɪtˈiəɹɪɐ/
Plural noun
Definition
n. the set of rules or standards used to judge something or make a choice.
n. the plural of criterion, denoting the standards or principles used as a basis for evaluation or decision-making.
Examples
“The main criteria for the job are experience and a degree.”
“The committee established strict criteria to ensure that only the most qualified candidates reached the interview stage.”
“While the technical criteria for the project were met, the aesthetic results failed to satisfy the client's vision for a modern corporate headquarters.”
Examples
simple
“The main criteria for the job are experience and a degree.”
contextual
“The committee established strict criteria to ensure that only the most qualified candidates reached the interview stage.”
complex
“While the technical criteria for the project were met, the aesthetic results failed to satisfy the client's vision for a modern corporate headquarters.”
Usage
Technically plural, though often used as a singular collective noun in informal speech.
Teaching tip
While many native speakers use 'criteria' as a singular noun, students should use 'criterion' for the singular in academic writing to avoid being marked down.
Pitfall
What is the main criteria for this project?
What is the main criterion for this project?
In formal English, 'criteria' is plural. Use 'criterion' when referring to only one standard.
Real-World Examples
“The so-called Rodman rule allows teams to spend $1m outside the standard salary cap for players who meet certain criteria.” “To be effective, human tutoring needs to meet certain criteria.” Etymology
The plural form of criterion, formed according to the Ancient Greek -ον (-on) → -α (-a) pluralisation pattern.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/criteria