self-critical
adjective
self-crit·i·cal
ˌself-ˈkri-ti-kəl 
: 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
Mary A. WhooleyExamples of self-critical in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Initially, participants completed assessments of two forms of perfectionism, self-critical perfectionism (harsh self-judgment and fear of mistakes) and personal standards perfectionism, as well as measures of anxiety and depression.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Brooding rumination involves passively dwelling on negative feelings, usually in a self-critical loop.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
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
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.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Brooding rumination involves passively dwelling on negative feelings, usually in a self-critical loop.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Self-critical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-critical. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share