faultfinding

American  

[fawlt-fahyn-ding] / ˈfɔltˌfaɪn dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of pointing out faults, especially faults of a petty nature; carping.

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adjective

1. tending to find fault; disposed to complain or object; captious.

   Synonyms:

   censorious, critical

Etymology

Origin of faultfinding

First recorded in 1620–30; fault + finding

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

faultfinding

He had willed it into existence in his characteristic way, fast and without faultfinding inspectors to impede his vision.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

Persistent faultfinding is not a trait you tend to see in people who feel good about themselves, because they tend to be at peace.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 23, 2022

“In a time when the focus should be on adding much-needed supply to the country’s housing market, it’s disappointing that the committee chose instead to pursue a faultfinding mission,” said Kristi DesJarlais, a spokeswoman.

From New York Times ● Jul. 29, 2022

This lesson will likely resonate with many women who struggle with self-criticism, whether the critical voices in their heads come from mental illness or just from the faultfinding world in which we all live.

From Slate ● May 24, 2018

Rasheed’s faultfinding left her stricken in the kitchen with self-doubt.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

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