plural self-criticisms
: the act of or capacity for criticizing one's own faults or shortcomings
To impress friends and potential employers, avoid complimenting yourself and trying to disguise it as self-criticism. Shana Lebowitz
… he's learned discipline, beneficial self-criticism … and the ability to develop a regimen in his day-to-day life. Hillary Gavan

Examples of self-criticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over the years, Williams has tried to calm the paralyzing effects of his self-criticism. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 However, the perfectionist nature of Virgo can also increase the fear of making mistakes and the patterns of self-criticism that try to keep us down. Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-criticism was in 1780

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Cite this Entry

“Self-criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-criticism. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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