Word
criticism
Phoneticscrit·i·cism
US/ˈkɹɪtɪˌsɪzəm/
UK/kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
Definitions
01disapproval
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of saying that something or someone is bad or has faults.
n. the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
日本語:批判※
“The manager's constant criticism made it very difficult for the team to stay motivated.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02professional analysis
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a careful and professional judgment of a book, film, or piece of art.
n. the formal analysis and evaluation of a literary or artistic work.
日本語:批評※
“She decided to study literary criticism to better understand how famous novels are structured.”
“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.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “criticism” in context.
Verb
01. draw criticism from the public
“The decision to close the local library drew criticism from the public.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
02. face criticism
“The government is likely to face criticism over its new tax policy.”
verb + noun
03. respond to criticism
“The director refused to respond to criticism regarding the film's ending.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
04. widespread criticism
“The new law has met with widespread criticism across the country.”
adj + noun
05. constructive criticism
“I always welcome constructive criticism because it helps me improve my writing.”
adj + noun
06. harsh criticism
“The young actor was upset by the harsh criticism he received from the judges.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. level of criticism
“The high level of criticism surprised the developers of the app.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. in response to criticism
“The company changed its logo in response to criticism from loyal customers.”
prep + noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“The crisis has calmed since, but it has sparked tensions between EU nations who share open borders as well as criticism of the Spanish government.” “This is not the first time the current system for investigating major air accidents has faced criticism.” Etymology
From critic + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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 IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/criticism
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0