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self-criticism

American  
[self-krit-uh-siz-uhm, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈkrɪt əˌsɪz əm, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

  1. the act or fact of being self-critical.


self-criticism British  

noun

  1. unfavourable or severe judgement of oneself, one's abilities, one's actions, etc

"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

Etymology

Origin of self-criticism

First recorded in 1855–60

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.

See Examples For:

Our future depends on whether we have the courage to rise to the level of self-criticism King demanded—and the moral discipline our ancestors exemplified.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 15, 2026

In many cases, harsh self-criticism can take on a life all its own.

From MarketWatch Dec. 2, 2025

Though the coach was quick to point out that self-criticism was useful only to a point with Maiava.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 26, 2025

Leclerc is renowned for his self-criticism, and Vasseur is someone he can bounce off.

From BBC Jul. 18, 2024

In November, not long after Park was assigned to the textile factory, four Bowiwon guards paid a surprise visit to the prisoners’ nightly meeting of self-criticism.

From "Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West" by Blaine Harden

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