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criticism

n.
US //ˈkɹɪtɪˌsɪzəm// UK //kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm// crit·i·cism
  1. 1 disapproval (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of saying that something or someone is bad or has faults.

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

    Example

    The manager's constant criticism made it very difficult for the team to stay motivated.

    Example

    The government faced sharp criticism from the international community regarding its recent changes to environmental policy.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the target.

    Pitfall
    He gave me a criticism about my work.
    He offered some criticism of my work.

    In the sense of general disapproval, 'criticism' is often uncountable. Use 'some criticism' or 'a piece of criticism' rather than 'a criticism'.

  2. 2 professional analysis (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a careful and professional judgment of a book, film, or piece of art.

    the formal analysis and evaluation of a literary or artistic work.

    Example

    She decided to study literary criticism to better understand how famous novels are structured.

    Example

    The professor's lecture focused on feminist criticism of nineteenth-century poetry, highlighting themes that previous scholars had overlooked.

    Usage

    In this academic sense, the word is often uncountable.

Origin

From critic + -ism.

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