Definition

Noun: 1. The act or process of critically examining and judging one's own actions, thoughts, or work: It involves analyzing one's own behavior, decisions, or performance to identify mistakes, shortcomings, or areas for improvement. 2. A statement or instance of such critical examination: A specific remark or evaluation made about oneself.

Usage

• Self-criticism is typically used as an uncountable noun to describe the general practice or activity.
  • Healthy self-criticism is essential for personal growth.
  • The artist engaged in intense self-criticism after the exhibition.
• It can also be used as a countable noun when referring to specific instances or remarks.
  • His latest self-criticism focused on his management style.
  • She wrote a list of self-criticisms in her journal.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To engage in self-criticism": To actively participate in the process of evaluating oneself.
  • Leaders must be willing to engage in honest self-criticism.
• "A moment of self-criticism": A specific instance or period of self-evaluation.
  • In a moment of self-criticism, he admitted he had been too impatient.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-critical (adjective): Inclined to or characterized by self-criticism.
  • She is far too self-critical about her paintings.
• Self-critique (noun): A detailed analysis and assessment of one's own work; often used in academic or artistic contexts. It is very similar in meaning to "self-criticism."
  • Each student must submit a self-critique with their final portfolio.

Synonyms

• Introspection: The examination of one's own thoughts and feelings. (More general, not always critical).
• Self-appraisal: The evaluation of one's own performance or abilities.
• Self-reproach: Blame directed at oneself.

Antonyms

• Self-praise: The act of praising oneself.
• Self-congratulation: Congratulating or complimenting oneself.
• Complacency: A feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself.

Noun

1. criticism of yourself