What does criticised mean?
Criticised is the British past tense and past participle of criticise, although the form is also understood in American English, where criticized is more usual. It means to express disapproval of someone or something, especially by identifying faults or arguing that a decision, action, or proposal is wrong or undesirable. The word is widely used in journalism, political debate, academic discussion, and everyday conversation. Its tone varies with context: a person or policy may be mildly or extensively criticised, while stronger verbs such as condemned or denounced suggest more forceful opposition. Although criticised sometimes focuses specifically on faults, it can also refer to general disapproval without detailing particular problems. Both active and passive constructions are common, as in “the report criticised the decision” and “the decision was widely criticised.” The form is a straightforward past-tense and past-participle inflection of the verb criticise.
verb (past tense and past participle)To criticize, especially by expressing strong disapproval of someone or something or by pointing out its faults. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb criticise.
- To express strong disapproval of a person, action, or thing.
- To point out faults or shortcomings in a person, action, or thing.
"The proposal was widely criticised for placing an unnecessary burden on small businesses."
"Critics criticised the decision as unnecessarily harsh."
"The minister was criticised for failing to explain the changes."
The word reaches back to Greek kritikos, meaning “able to judge”—a fitting ancestor for a term now associated with fault-finding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How criticised is actually used
Criticised is the standard British spelling; criticized is the usual North American spelling. The word is common in formal reporting and critical discussion, although its meaning can range from measured fault-finding to forceful condemnation.
Easily confused with criticised
Criticised and criticized are the British and American spellings of the same word and do not differ in meaning.