# criteria

/kɹaɪˈtɪɹiə/ (US) · /kɹaɪtˈiəɹɪɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/criteria
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. standards for judgment

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the set of rules or standards used to judge something or make a choice.

For teachers: the plural of criterion, denoting the standards or principles used as a basis for evaluation or decision-making.

- The main criteria for the job are good communication skills and three years of experience.
- The selection committee established rigorous criteria to ensure that only the most qualified candidates proceeded to the final interview stage.

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.

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.