self-critical

adjective

self-crit·​i·​cal ˌself-ˈkri-ti-kəl How to pronounce self-critical (audio)
: inclined to find fault with oneself : critical of oneself
a self-critical perfectionist
… helping patients identify and challenge pessimistic or self-critical thoughts that cause or perpetuate depression.Mary A. Whooley

Examples of self-critical 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.
Her self-critical editing generated a great deal of confusion. Susan Gubar june 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025 Avery, a shy and self-critical perfectionist, is drawn to Taylor but wary of her reputation as a heartbreaker. Diya Chacko, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2025 But the interview revealed Francis as a complex, brooding figure—a Catholic whose deep faith seemed personal more than theological or institutional, and a cleric who was at once self-critical and critical of the Church he had been elected to lead. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 To move forward with compassion, challenge self-critical thoughts. Mark Travers, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Hendriksen said that some people are simply wired to be self-critical. Andrea Kane, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025 Farke discussed how self-critical Meslier is last week. Beren Cross, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 And where the confident, outgoing Navarro was comfortable being the center of attention, Avery was a reserved bookish subversive, and quietly self-critical. Aaron Gilbreath, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2024 That’s an important distinction for a player as reflective and self-critical as Williams tends to be. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-critical was in 1841

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Cite this Entry

“Self-critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-critical. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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