self-criticism
Americannoun
noun
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.
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
She was relentless with her self-criticism, always finding some minor gaffe to ruminate on.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025
Leclerc is renowned for his self-criticism, and Vasseur is someone he can bounce off.
From BBC • Jul. 18, 2024
He could easily lapse into self-criticism, particularly if there was someone, especially a child, whose life he thought he could have saved in Cange.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
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.
