Criticism Vocabulary

noun the state of being regarded with disapproval or dislike

• The company's decision to cut employee benefits fell into disfavor among the staff.
• The new dress code is really in disfavor with the team.
• His behavior definitely put him in the disfavor of the boss.
• The artist's controversial painting was met with disfavor by the critics.

noun a feeling of distaste or aversion

verb to have a strong feeling of aversion or disapproval towards something

• I have a strong dislike for the new company policy.
• I really dislike the taste of mushrooms.
• I can't stand that show, I totally dislike it.
• She has a dislike for early mornings, preferring to sleep in instead.

adjective describing someone or something as extremely stupid or foolish

• The decision to invest all their savings in a risky venture seemed rather idiotic.
• I can't believe you fell for that idiotic prank!
• That plan is straight up idiotic, dude.
• Her stubborn refusal to ask for help was just plain idiotic.

adjective describing someone or something as foolish or stupid

• It was a moronic decision to invest all the company's funds in a failing project.
• I can't believe you did something so moronic like forgetting your keys inside the car.
• That guy is just plain moronic for trying to pick a fight with someone twice his size.
• Her moronic behavior was like a dark cloud hanging over the otherwise peaceful gathering.

adjective causing slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety

• The niggling issue with the contract needs to be addressed before we can proceed.
• I have this niggling feeling that I forgot something important.
• Stop niggling me about the plans, I'll get to it when I can.
• The niggling doubt in the back of her mind kept her from fully enjoying the party.

adjective Of substandard quality or performance

adverb In a poor or inadequate manner

• The experiment was conducted poorly, resulting in inconclusive data.
• She did poorly on the test because she didn't study.
• I feel like I'm dressed so poorly today.
• His relationship with his parents is poorly patched up.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• It is inappropriate to scoff at someone's beliefs or values.
• Don't scoff at her taste in music, everyone has different preferences.
• Why do you always scoff at everything I say?
• The critics may scoff at his work now, but one day they will recognize his talent.

noun a gesture or expression of disapproval or rejection

adverb in a downward direction or motion

• The board members gave a thumbs down to the proposed budget cuts.
• I gave the movie a thumbs down because it was boring.
• I'm giving this restaurant a thumbs down, the food was terrible.
• She always gives me a thumbs down when I suggest new ideas.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adverb a word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify a noun, such as 'the', 'a', or 'an'

• The painter decided to lay it on with a trowel to ensure a thick and even coat of paint.
• He really laid it on with a trowel when telling his exaggerated fishing story.
• She always lays it on with a trowel when talking about her accomplishments.
• The politician tends to lay it on with a trowel when making promises during the campaign.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence

• She may appear sophisticated and elegant, but in reality, she could be all fur coat and no knickers.
• Don't let her fancy clothes fool you, she might be all fur coat and no knickers.
• She looks bougie, but she could be all fur coat and no knickers.
• His impressive resume may not reflect his actual skills and abilities; he could be all fur coat and no knickers.