self-criticism

American  

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

noun

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

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self-criticism British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of self-criticism

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

A common and mostly true dictum holds that democratic societies possess a capacity for self-criticism and self-correction that autocracies don’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Dec. 2, 2025

Kemi Badenoch has insisted she is "going to get better" as Conservative leader, saying she is not "shy about self-criticism".

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2025

Although this is a very normal response, it can take the pleasure out of eating, and can become distressing and bring about other feelings of shame and self-criticism.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2024

“Now that our new brother has been educated as to the meaning of self-criticism, perhaps he’d like to share his personal shortcomings.”

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer