criticism

Comments that say what is wrong or bad about someone or something.

• She accepted the criticism calmly.
• The plan drew criticism from local people.
• He faced harsh criticism for his comments.

How to use it: criticism of someone/something (There was strong criticism of the decision.); criticism for doing something (He faced criticism for arriving late.)

Similar words: disapproval, censure

Opposites: praise

Common phrases: face criticism, criticism of something, come under criticism

A careful examination or comment that judges the strengths and weaknesses of something.

• He teaches literary criticism.
• Her criticism of the argument was thoughtful.
• The essay offers several detailed criticisms of the theory.

How to use it: criticism of something (Her criticism of the novel focuses on its ending.)

Similar words: critique, analysis, evaluation

Common phrases: literary criticism, detailed criticism, criticism of something