self-critical
Americanadjective
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capable of criticizing oneself objectively.
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tending to find fault with one's own actions, motives, etc.
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Is it coming from a perfectionist mindset or because you are very self-critical?
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
"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
Riley was considerably less self-critical when asked about his team’s offensive philosophy to start the game, even though the Trojans were held to just three points in the first two quarters.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2024
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
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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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.