self-criticism

American  

[self-krit-uh-siz-uhm, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈkrɪt əˌsɪz əm, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. the act or fact of being self-critical.

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self-criticism British  

noun

1. unfavourable or severe judgement of oneself, one's abilities, one's actions, etc

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Etymology

Origin of self-criticism

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Our future depends on whether we have the courage to rise to the level of self-criticism King demanded—and the moral discipline our ancestors exemplified.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

In many cases, harsh self-criticism can take on a life all its own.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 2, 2025

Though the coach was quick to point out that self-criticism was useful only to a point with Maiava.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2025

She set up her first group in a church hall in Alfreton in 1969, to help people with both their weight and with "the sometimes far heavier burden of shame and self-criticism".

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2025

But he now ground his face into a deliberately pained expression—a form, apparently, of self-criticism.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger