Word family noun critic criticism adjective critical ≠ uncritical verb criticize adverb critically ≠ uncritically
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishcriticismcrit‧i‧cis‧m /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/ ●●○ S3 W2 noun [countable, uncountable] 1 CRITICIZEremarks that say what you think is bad about someone or something OPP praisecriticism of My main criticism of the scheme is that it does nothing to help families on low incomes. Despite strong criticism, the new system is still in place. There has been widespread criticism of the decision. We try to give students constructive criticism. Another criticism levelled at him was that his teaching methods were old-fashioned. The government’s economic strategy has attracted a lot of criticism. You must learn to accept criticism. Many employees find it hard to take even mild criticism. His actions provoked severe criticism from civil rights groups. the storm of criticism that followed his announcement2 writing which expresses judgments about the good or bad qualities of books, films, music etc literary criticismCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesstrong/severe/heavy criticismThis decision attracted heavy criticism from environmental groups.fierce/bitter/harsh/sharp criticism (=involving angry feelings)The prison system has been the object of fierce criticism.public criticismAs a politician, you have to get used to public criticism.constructive criticism (=aimed at improving something or someone in a helpful way)Praise and constructive criticism are both very useful.widespread criticismThere was widespread criticism of his speech.growing/mounting criticismThe government was faced with mounting criticism at home and abroad.outspoken criticism (=said very openly and directly)I was surprised by his outspoken criticism of the system.implied criticism (=suggested indirectly, rather than said openly)She sensed the implied criticism in his remarks.verbsdraw/attract/provoke criticism (=be criticized)The plan has drawn criticism from some groups.come under criticism/come in for criticism (=be criticized)The deal came under fierce criticism from other American airlines.meet (with) criticism (=be criticized)His theory met with harsh criticism from colleagues.face criticismHe has often faced criticism in the local press.accept/take criticism (=allow it and learn from it)Very few people know how to accept criticism.level criticism at somebody/something (=aim it at someone or something)A great deal of criticism was levelled at the company.single somebody out for criticism (=to criticize one person, organization etc specifically)The goalkeeper was singled out for criticism.phrasesbe the subject of criticism/be subjected to criticism (=be criticized by people)The club has been the subject of criticism since last October.be open to criticism (=be willing or able to accept it)Management have decided this and I don't think they're open to criticism.be sensitive to criticism (=to react to criticism, often in a bad way)He was highly sensitive to criticism in the press.a storm/barrage of criticism (=a lot of criticism)His comments provoked a barrage of criticism. Examples from the Corpus
criticism• I have found criticism to be a deeply enriching, but not always comfortable exploration of the text of Scripture.• In a sense, the very institution of literary criticism is concrete testimony of this assumption.• The report makes many criticisms of the nation's prison system.• But these are minor criticisms for a job well done.• Bill's very sensitive to any kind of criticism.• Taylor has come in for a lot of criticism for his part in the affair.• The 7,000 delegates were handpicked for loyalty, and did not utter a word of criticism.• The union settled, in the face of the Government's public criticisms, for a fifteen percent pay rise.• Graham's criticisms have no basis in fact.• Later he responded in a similar way to D. H. Lawrence's criticism, as well as to his creative achievement.• The government faces severe criticism for its slow response to the disaster.• However, in adult life, Ian finds he can not take criticism.criticism of• There is growing criticism of the President's decision. 