critical thinking

American  

[krit-i-kuhl thing-king] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈθɪŋ kɪŋ /

noun

1. disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.

   The questions are intended to develop your critical thinking.

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Etymology

Origin of critical thinking

First recorded in 1810–15

Example Sentences

In order to AI-proof your career, apply to jobs where critical thinking and innovation are more important than technical skills.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Accounting firms are working to change how traditional auditing work is done, with the aim of taking away younger professionals’ rote work and allowing them more critical thinking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

In the 1980s and 1990s, the gripe was “stick to reading, writing and ‘rithmetic,” which implies hostility toward expanding those lessons to more complex ideas like literary analysis, critical thinking, and higher math and sciences.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

"Predictably, our children will develop deep critical thinking, and independent reasoning abilities."

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Ma always told me critical thinking was important, so maybe I’ll give it a shot.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer