- [uncountable, countable] the act of expressing disapproval of somebody/something and opinions about their faults or bad qualities; a statement showing this disapproval
- to draw/face/receive criticism
- The plan has attracted criticism from consumer groups.
- She sought to deflect criticism by blaming her family.
- People in public life must always be open to criticism (= willing to accept being criticized).
- Ben is very sensitive—he just can't take criticism.
- to offer somebody constructive criticism (= that is meant to be helpful)
- I didn't mean it as a criticism.
- criticisms levelled at (= aimed at) journalists
- criticism of somebody/something There was widespread criticism of the government's handling of the disaster.
- My only criticism of the house is that it is on a main road.
- He was clearly stung by media criticism of his previous statement.
- criticism over something The former minister is facing growing criticism over his remark.
- The government came under heavy criticism over its policies.
- We came in for some sharp criticism over this decision.
- criticism for something The actor has come under criticism for her comments about her co-stars.
- The film star faced a barrage of criticism for his behaviour.
- criticism about something The actor has recently faced harsh criticism about his weight.
- criticism against somebody/something The past five years has seen growing criticism against the regime.
Extra ExamplesTopics Opinion and argumentb2- The harshest criticism came from members of her own party.
- Criticism centred on the lack of information provided.
- Criticism was levelled at senior managers.
- He finds it hard to take criticism.
- None of what has been said should be taken to imply criticism.
- Scientists have raised strong criticisms of creationist ideas.
- She countered my criticisms by saying we had no choice in the matter.
- She made a number of valid criticisms.
- Teachers need honest feedback and constructive criticism.
- The main criticism about the information provided is that it arrives too late.
- The proposal is open to several important criticisms.
- The report levels criticism at senior managers.
- There has been serious criticism of the teaching methods used in the school.
- They received criticism for continuing to supply the faulty goods.
- Two successive defeats have brought fresh criticism.
- We are bound to face criticism from both sides.
- to offer criticism and receive it
- I don't mind a little constructive criticism, but there are limits to what I am willing to do.
- There have been criticisms levelled at journalists for not always looking deeply enough into certain issues.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- bitter
- fierce
- harsh
- …
- barrage
- address
- direct
- express
- …
- come from somebody
- centre/center on something
- criticism about
- criticism against
- criticism for
- …
Want to learn more?
Find out which words work together and produce more natural sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app.
- [uncountable] the work or activity of making fair, careful judgements about the good and bad qualities of somebody/something, especially books, music, etc.
- She has written several works of literary criticism.
Extra Examples- The book takes an unorthodox approach to art criticism.
- He teaches a course on textual criticism.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- practical
- textual
- academic
- …
Word Originearly 17th cent.: from critic or Latin criticus + -ism.
Check pronunciation:
criticism