hypercriticism

[ hahy-per-krit-uh-siz-uhm ]

/ ˌhaɪ pərˈkrɪt əˌsɪz əm /

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criticism that is carping or unduly harsh.

QUIZZES

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

First recorded in 1670–80; hyper- + criticism

The hypercriticism of the learned committee was therefore altogether erroneous, and their observations not borne out.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 57, No. 354, April 1845|Various
These are but trivial faults; and if they had not been so easily corrected, it would have been hypercriticism to notice them.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 09, No. 51, January, 1862|Various
There may be differences of opinion and sentiment, but no acerbity, no hypercriticism, and no exclusiveness.
The Abominations of Modern Society|Rev. T. De Witt Talmage
Let no editor through hypercriticism of contributed articles add to this educated suffering.
Around The Tea-Table|T. De Witt Talmage

As a matter of fact, it needs either distinct malevolence or silly hypercriticism to find any serious fault with the Demonology.
Sir Walter Scott|George Saintsbury