criticism
gb/kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/ us/kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
B1
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
the act of disapproving
When someone says what they think is wrong with a person or thing.
Usage pattern:
[someone] gives criticism to [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'criticism' with 'critique'. 'Criticism' is more general and often negative, while 'critique' is usually a detailed analysis that can be positive or negative.
Synonyms
disapproval (A general term for a negative opinion, not necessarily detailed or analytical.)
|
censure (A strong and formal expression of disapproval, often in official contexts.)
Antonyms
praise (An expression of approval or admiration, the opposite of pointing out faults.)
Collocations
constructive criticism
|harsh criticism
|receive criticism
|face criticism
|level criticism
Themes
communication
|emotions
|social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new policy received widespread criticism from the public.
- She faced criticism for her handling of the project.
- The film drew criticism for its lack of originality.
- He welcomed constructive criticism from his mentor.
- The mayor brushed off the criticism and continued with the plan.
Learner examples
- The teacher gave me some criticism about my essay.
- She got a lot of criticism after the meeting.
- He does not like criticism from his boss.
- They gave him criticism for being late.
- The plan met with criticism from the team.
Noun
B2
action
2
evaluation of artistic work
Careful study and opinion about art, books, music, etc.
Usage pattern:
[someone] writes criticism of [a work]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'criticism' here means only negative comments, but in arts it can be positive or neutral evaluation too.
Synonyms
review (A written or spoken evaluation, often for a general audience.)
|
critique (A more formal or academic evaluation, often detailed and structured.)
Antonyms
acclaim (Public praise for artistic work, the opposite of pointing out flaws.)
Collocations
literary criticism
|art criticism
|music criticism
|film criticism
Themes
arts
|media
|communication
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- Her book on film criticism has become a standard text in universities.
- The exhibition was accompanied by critical essays in major art magazines.
- Literary criticism helps readers understand deeper meanings in novels.
- Music criticism can influence which albums become popular.
- He is well-known for his sharp art criticism.
Learner examples
- I read a book about film criticism.
- She studies literary criticism at university.
- He writes music criticism for a newspaper.
- Art criticism can help people understand paintings.
- The magazine has a section for book criticism.
Grammar
Dictionary form
criticism
IPA
GB/kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
US/kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
cri - ti - cism (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cri)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: criticism
- Plural: criticism, criticisms
Word family
Forms
criticisms
noun
Core family
Related words
critique
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
uncritical
adjective
uncritically
adverb
Expressions
face criticism
1/fˈeɪs kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
receive disapproval from others
To have people say bad things about what you did or made.
Examples
- The company faced criticism over its environmental policies.
- He faced criticism after his controversial speech.
level criticism (at/against)
1/lˈɛvəl kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm ətəɡˈeɪnst/
fixed phrase
formal
direct disapproval toward someone/something
To say strong negative things about someone or something.
Examples
- Several experts leveled criticism at the government's decision.
- She leveled heavy criticism against the new rules.
constructive criticism
1/kənstɹˈʌktɪv kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
helpful criticism meant to improve
Comments that point out problems but are meant to help someone get better, not to hurt them.
Examples
- She appreciated the constructive criticism from her teacher.
- She welcomed constructive criticism from her colleagues.
- I appreciate constructive criticism because it helps me grow.
- Constructive criticism can help you grow in your career.
- Good teachers give constructive criticism to help students improve.
- Teachers should give constructive criticism instead of only saying what is wrong.