Word
criterion
Phoneticscri·te·ri·on, stress on the second syllable
US/kɹaɪˈtɪɹiən/
UK/kɹaɪtˈiəɹɪən/
日本語基準※
Countable noun
Definition
n. 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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“The main criterion for the job is previous experience.”
contextual
“Academic success is not the only criterion the university uses to select new students for the program.”
complex
“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.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “criterion” in context.
Verb
01. establish criterion
“The university needs to establish clear criteria for the new scholarship program.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. additional criterion
“The committee decided to add an additional criterion to the selection process.”
adj + noun
03. important criterion
“Safety is the most important criterion when choosing a new car for the family.”
adj + noun
04. specific criterion
“Each candidate must meet every specific criterion listed in the job description.”
adj + noun
05. stringent criterion
“The airline has a stringent criterion for pilot health and fitness.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. exclusion criterion
“Having a history of heart disease was a primary exclusion criterion for the medical study.”
noun + noun
Usage
The word is the singular form; the plural form is 'criteria'.
Pitfall
This is the main criteria.
This is the main criterion.
Learners often use the plural 'criteria' when they are referring to a single standard.
Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/criterion
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0