crit ‧ i ‧ cis ‧ m S3 W2 /ˈkrɪtəsɪz ə m, ˈkrɪtɪsɪz ə m/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ critic , ↑ criticism ; verb : ↑ criticize ; adverb : ↑ critically ≠ ↑ uncritically ; adjective : ↑ critical ≠ ↑ uncritical ]
1 . remarks that say what you think is bad about someone or something OPP praise
criticism 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 announcement
2 . writing which expresses judgments about the good or bad qualities of books, films, music etc:
literary criticism
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ strong/severe/heavy criticism
This 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 criticism
As 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 criticism
There was widespread criticism of his speech.
▪ growing/mounting criticism
The 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.
■ verbs
▪ draw/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 criticism
He 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.
■ phrases
▪ be 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.