faultfinding

[ fawlt-fahyn-ding ]

/ ˈfɔltˌfaɪn dɪŋ /

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

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

Nearby words

First recorded in 1620–30; fault + finding

SYNONYMS FOR faultfinding

Her first instinct was faultfinding, as against the child for screaming.
It Never Can Happen Again|William De Morgan
He seemed to have a mania for faultfinding; though doubtless there was much legitimate occasion for the exercise of that faculty.
The History of Cuba, vol. 1|Willis Fletcher Johnson
Mrs. Ericson was harsh and faultfinding, constantly wounding the boy's pride; and Olaf was always setting her against him.
The Troll Garden and Selected Stories|Willa Cather
But the Creole, satisfied with her splendor, the crowning glory of a humble life, attributed her daughter's faultfinding to envy.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse|Vicente Blasco Ibanez

It is no time for faultfinding or resentment, said he, gently.
The Young Continentals at Bunker Hill|John T. McIntyre