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self-critical

American  
[self-krit-i-kuhl, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈkrɪt ɪ kəl, ˈsɛlf- /

adjective

  1. capable of criticizing oneself objectively.

  2. tending to find fault with one's own actions, motives, etc.


self-critical British  

adjective

  1. critical of oneself

    his self-critical attitude

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We have to be self-critical, we didn't play a great game, we have to improve, but now we have to rest and charge our batteries."

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Practicing calligraphy helped make Ms. Edralin aware of self-critical thoughts that had become ingrained in her internal dialogue.

From New York Times • May 29, 2024

I’m very self-critical, and while I don’t want to value my work solely by monetary meaning, it’s hard to ignore that no matter how successful you’ve been or appear to be.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2024

He denied his No 10 had been a toxic place to work, and said bad-tempered exchanges between advisers showed "naturally self-critical" people anxious to do their best, even adding it was "creatively useful".

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2023

As usual he was organized, forward-thinking, and self-critical.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

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