criterion
n. countablen. a standard or rule you use to judge or decide something. You use it to see if something is good enough or fits a specific need.
n. a standard, rule, or principle by which something is judged or a decision is made. Often used in academic or professional contexts to evaluate performance or eligibility.
The main criterion for the job is previous experience.
Academic success is not the only criterion the university uses to select new students for the program.
While cost remains a significant criterion in the procurement process, the committee must also weigh environmental impact and long-term sustainability when selecting a primary supplier.
From New Latin criterion, from Ancient Greek κριτήριον (kritḗrion, “a test, a means of judging”), from κριτής (kritḗs, “judge”), from κρίνω (krínō, “to judge”); see critic.
The word is the singular form; the plural form is 'criteria'.
This is the main criteria.This is the main criterion.Learners often use the plural 'criteria' when they are referring to a single standard.