Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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

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.

"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

"They need to have discipline and be very self-critical."

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2024

He describes himself as “pandering and solicitous” in public and is fully aware of the way amiability can blur into inauthenticity, But he’s too self-critical to be a fake.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2023

She was exhilarated by the rave reviews, but always the self-critical artist, she wasn’t satisfied.

From "The Voice That Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights" by Russell Freedman

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "self-critical" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com