criteria: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighFormal, Academic, Business, Technical
Quick answer
What does “criteria” mean?
A set of principles or standards used to judge, decide, or select something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of principles or standards used to judge, decide, or select something.
The plural form of 'criterion', referring to multiple factors, rules, or benchmarks that are applied to make an evaluation, classification, or decision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is essentially identical. Both varieties maintain the singular 'criterion' and plural 'criteria', but 'criteria' is frequently used as a singular collective noun in informal speech in both regions.
Connotations
None specific to region.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK academic contexts due to traditional adherence to grammatical number rules, but the informal singular use is common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “criteria” in a Sentence
to establish criteria for + noun/gerundto meet/fulfil/satisfy the criteria for + nounto apply criteria to + nounto base + noun + on criteriacriteria + for + noun/gerund + are...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “criteria” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The panel will criteria the applications based on sustainability.
American English
- The system criterias the data automatically for anomalies.
adverb
British English
- The proposals were judged criterially.
American English
- They evaluated everything criteria-wise.
adjective
British English
- The criterional framework was complex.
American English
- We need a criteria-based approach.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for hiring (job criteria), project selection (investment criteria), and performance reviews.
Academic
Fundamental for research methodology, grading rubrics, and peer review processes.
Everyday
Used when discussing house-buying, school admissions, or choosing between options.
Technical
Used in engineering (design criteria), medicine (diagnostic criteria), and computer science (search criteria).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “criteria”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “criteria”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “criteria”
- Using 'criteria' as a singular noun in formal writing (e.g., 'The main criteria is...').
- Creating the non-existent plural 'criterias'.
- Confusing with 'criterion' in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In formal writing, no. 'A criteria' is considered an error because 'criteria' is plural. The correct singular is 'a criterion'. However, in informal spoken English, 'a criteria' is commonly heard.
They are closely related. 'Criteria' are the standards used to judge or decide. 'Requirements' are the specific conditions that must be met. Requirements often form part of the criteria. For example, a job's criteria may include 'relevant experience' (a requirement) and 'cultural fit' (a more subjective standard).
In British English: /kraɪˈtɪər.i.ə/ (cry-TEER-ee-uh). In American English: /kraɪˈtɪr.i.ə/ (cry-TIR-ee-uh). The main difference is the vowel sound in the middle syllable.
Traditionally, no, because it is plural (e.g., 'The criteria are clear'). In modern usage, especially in informal contexts, it is often treated as a singular collective noun (e.g., 'The criteria is unclear'). The plural verb is preferred for formal and academic writing.
A set of principles or standards used to judge, decide, or select something.
Criteria is usually formal, academic, business, technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Move the goalposts (change the criteria unfairly)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CRITIC judging entries in a competition. The critic uses several RI (pronounced 'rye') grains to score each one. Each grain of rye is a CRITERION, and all the grains together are the CRITERIA.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITERIA ARE A FILTER (sifting out unsuitable options); CRITERIA ARE A RULER/MEASURING STICK (for comparison); CRITERIA ARE A CHECKLIST (to be completed).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'criteria' correctly in a formal context?