Criticism: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate when pointing out flaws or weaknesses, often with a negative tone. It's used in situations where the goal is to highlight issues or errors.

• His criticism of the new policy highlighted several key issues
• The movie faced a lot of criticism regarding its weak plot

Best used when judging the value or performance of something, often in a formal or structured setting. It's common in academic, professional, or organizational contexts.

• The yearly employee evaluation will be held next week
• They performed an evaluation of the new software to decide if it met their needs

Ideal for providing information on someone's performance or work, usually in the form of constructive comments. It can be positive or negative but aims to improve future performance.

• She was grateful for the feedback on her presentation
• The students received feedback on their essays to help them improve

Commonly used for a thorough assessment, often presented in writing, of something like a product, service, book, or movie. It often includes opinions and can be either positive or negative.

• I read the restaurant review before making a reservation
• The book received a glowing review from the literary critic

Used when breaking down something into parts to understand it better, often in a neutral or objective tone. Suitable for detailed examination of data, literature, or situations.

• The analysis of the sales data helped the team understand market trends
• The professor's analysis of the poem uncovered its deeper meanings

Used when analyzing or judging someone's work or actions, often in a constructive manner.

• His artwork received a lot of criticism, but he took it as an opportunity to improve

Typically formal and official disapproval, often by a group or authority figure.

• The board issued a censure against the CEO for violating company policies

Strong expression of disapproval, often for actions considered morally wrong or socially unacceptable.

• The government's actions drew widespread condemnation from the international community

General feeling or indication that someone or something is not satisfactory or acceptable.

• Her parents showed their disapproval when she announced her decision to drop out of college

Sharp or stern reprimand, often used to address someone's misconduct or inappropriate behavior.

• The teacher delivered a strong rebuke to the student for talking back in class