dressing-down
Stern verbal correction
A dressing-down is a severe scolding or reprimand, typically from someone in authority: The sergeant gave the recruits a dressing-down for their sloppy uniforms.
The term suggests a thorough, humiliating rebuke rather than mild criticism.
After the meeting, she got a dressing-down from her boss about the missed deadline.
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
tongue-lashing · upbraiding · chiding · berating · lecture · reproach · castigation · telling-off
Trained self-control or specialty
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- warningAlert about danger
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- penaltyPunishment for wrongdoing
punishment · demotion · suspension · probation · dismissal · firing
Self-conscious unease
- mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
- humblingDiminishing one's pride
- shamePainful awareness of failure
- disgraceLoss of honor
degradation · discomfiture · abasement · deflation · indignity · belittlement · takedown
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
reproof · tongue-lashing · upbraiding · chiding · berating · lecture · reproach · castigation · telling-off · chastisement
discipline
Trained self-control or specialty
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- warningAlert about danger
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
penalty · punishment · demotion · suspension · probation · dismissal · firing
embarrassment
Self-conscious unease
- mortificationIntense shame or embarrassment
- humblingDiminishing one's pride
- shamePainful awareness of failure
disgrace · degradation · discomfiture · abasement · deflation · indignity · belittlement · takedown
boss
Workplace superior
teacher · sergeant · commander · supervisor · disciplinarian · elder · coach · principal · foreman · officer
- rebukescold, reprimand, chide, admonish, berate
- reproachesblaming, scolding, rebuking, reprimanding, censuring
- scoldingscold, scolding, rebuke, berate, reprimand
- tiradestirades, tirade, rants, rant, harangues
- verbal fightsargument, quarrel, dispute, confrontation, shouting match
- critical assessmentsinspection, review, audit, checkup, scrutiny
dressing-downpraise
Expression of approval
commendation · accolade · compliment · encouragement · pat on the back
dressing-downpublic praise
Commendation given openly
tribute · honor · recognition · citation · standing ovation
dressing-downencouragement
Support spurring continued effort
pep talk · reassurance · boost · vote of confidence · attaboy
down, dress, dressing, dressed, undress, dresser, redress, downcast, dresses