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

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

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

That evening, Shin went with his mother to an “ideological struggle” meeting, a compulsory gathering for self-criticism.

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