self-critical
Quick to self-blame
Self-critical describes someone who evaluates their own actions, work, or character with a tendency to find fault.
A self-critical person may be admirably reflective, holding themselves to high standards: She's self-critical enough to know when her work isn't ready.
But excessive self-criticism can become destructive, turning inward as harsh judgment rather than constructive assessment.
Showing extreme attention to detail
- overachieverOne exceeding all expectations
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
- exactingDemanding great care
flawlessness · idealistic · perfectionist · detail-oriented · relentless · driven · overworking · dissatisfaction
Unpleasantly severe or rough
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- nitpickingExcessive focus on trivialities
- disapprovingExpressing unfavorable opinion
- censoriousSeverely critical in judgment
condemning · disparaging · reproachful · unforgiving · cynical · dissatisfied · carping · castigating
Sustained reflective attention
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
- ruminationProlonged, repetitive thinking
- meditationFocused attention practice
- cogitationCareful, prolonged consideration
State of being insufficient
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- fearfulnessChronic state of dread
- hesitancyUnwillingness to proceed
uncertainty · apprehension · inferiority · timidity · nervousness · sensitivity · shame · embarrassment
Progress toward maturity
- progressMovement toward improvement
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- refinementElegance of manner
- correctionFixing of mistakes
accountability · humility · openness · constructive · maturation · evolution · adaptation · betterment
meticulous
Showing extreme attention to detail
- overachieverOne exceeding all expectations
- obsessiveConsumed by fixation
- compulsiveUnable to stop oneself
exacting · flawlessness · idealistic · perfectionist · detail-oriented · relentless · driven · overworking · dissatisfaction · striving
harsh
Unpleasantly severe or rough
- faultfindingSeeking out imperfections
- nitpickingExcessive focus on trivialities
- disapprovingExpressing unfavorable opinion
censorious · condemning · disparaging · reproachful · unforgiving · cynical · dissatisfied · carping · castigating · merciless
contemplation
Sustained reflective attention
- soul-searchingProbing one's innermost feelings
- ruminationProlonged, repetitive thinking
- meditationFocused attention practice
inadequacy
State of being insufficient
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- fearfulnessChronic state of dread
hesitancy · uncertainty · apprehension · inferiority · timidity · nervousness · sensitivity · shame · embarrassment · diffidence
development
Progress toward maturity
- progressMovement toward improvement
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- refinementElegance of manner
correction · accountability · humility · openness · constructive · maturation · evolution · adaptation · betterment · resilience
- selfpersonal identity, psyche, ego, introspection, character
- guiltguilty, guilt trip, guilty conscience, remorseful, contrition
- awareaware, mindful, attentive, alert, vigilant
- Type Acompetitive, driven, ambitious, impatient, workaholic
self-criticalself-satisfied
Smugly pleased with oneself
self-congratulatory · self-admiring · pleased with oneself · smug · complacent
self-criticalarrogant
Excessively high self-regard
conceited · vain · narcissistic · egotistical · self-aggrandizing
self-criticaldefensive
Protective or easily threatened
unteachable · self-justifying · in denial · oblivious · unreflective
self, critical, criticism, criticize, selfless, criterion, critically, uncritical, selfhood