self-criticism
noun
self-crit·i·cism
ˌself-ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm 
plural self-criticisms
: the act of or capacity for criticizing one's own faults or shortcomings
To impress friends and potential employers, avoid complimenting yourself and trying to disguise it as self-criticism.—
Shana Lebowitz
Shana Lebowitz… he's learned discipline, beneficial self-criticism … and the ability to develop a regimen in his day-to-day life.—Hillary Gavan
Hillary GavanExamples of self-criticism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The campaign prompted women to question their self-criticism and embrace a kinder, gentler self-image.
—Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Acknowledge your emotions without harsh self-criticism, and remind yourself that everyone experiences setbacks.
—Quora, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024
She was so wracked with self-criticism that working on the book became incredibly difficult for her.
—Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024
Completing a Yurchenko double pike is hard enough without looping self-criticism.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2024
Now, a look at how the film was made and Lewis’ subsequent self-criticism will play in Venice, organizers have confirmed while revealing the full lineup for this year’s 81st Venice Film Festival on Tuesday.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 July 2024
Self-compassion has been correlated with lower levels of social anxiety and self-criticism.
—Emma Nadler, Washington Post, 23 June 2024
While internal or mental symptoms could include perfectionism, excessive worry, fear of disappointment, racing thoughts, fear of losing control, significant self-criticism, fear of impending doom, overthinking or overanalyzing, and an inability to relax.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 June 2024
Europe, facing new conflict, recalls what their comrades died for.
June 6, 2024
At first blush, the town seems, well, too unabashedly and in-your-face American for a country that revels in self-criticism and understatement.
—Catherine Porter Andrea Mantovani, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Renae Gregoire, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Acknowledge your emotions without harsh self-criticism, and remind yourself that everyone experiences setbacks.
—Quora, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024
She was so wracked with self-criticism that working on the book became incredibly difficult for her.
—Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024
Completing a Yurchenko double pike is hard enough without looping self-criticism.
—Megan Sauer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2024
Now, a look at how the film was made and Lewis’ subsequent self-criticism will play in Venice, organizers have confirmed while revealing the full lineup for this year’s 81st Venice Film Festival on Tuesday.
—Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 July 2024
Self-compassion has been correlated with lower levels of social anxiety and self-criticism.
—Emma Nadler, Washington Post, 23 June 2024
While internal or mental symptoms could include perfectionism, excessive worry, fear of disappointment, racing thoughts, fear of losing control, significant self-criticism, fear of impending doom, overthinking or overanalyzing, and an inability to relax.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 June 2024
Europe, facing new conflict, recalls what their comrades died for.
June 6, 2024
At first blush, the town seems, well, too unabashedly and in-your-face American for a country that revels in self-criticism and understatement.
—Catherine Porter Andrea Mantovani, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Dictionary Entries Near self-criticism
Cite this Entry
“Self-criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-criticism. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share