1. to express disapproval of someone or something; to point out faults or problems
2. to analyze and judge the merits and faults of something, especially a work of art or literature
Usage: formal; academic

Examples

• The teacher criticized the student’s poor handwriting.
• Don’t criticize her cooking; she’s still learning.
• The newspaper harshly criticized the mayor’s new policy.
• Art critics will criticize the painting’s composition and use of color.
• It’s easy to criticize but harder to offer solutions.
• The book reviewer criticized the novel’s weak plot development.
• Parents should guide children without constantly criticizing them.