Criteria is typically a plural noun referring to standards on which a judgement can be made. Its singular form is criterion, but evidence shows that criteria is frequently used as a singular as well as a plural.
Criteria are often the particular requirements that someone or something must meet in order to be considered or qualify for something. An applicant for a job may be evaluated based on several criteria, including their education, experience, and references—each one of these standards is a criterion.
Definition of criterion noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
In standard usage, the plural is generally criteria, although criterions is sometimes used as well. Properly speaking, the form criteria should never be a singular noun, and phrases like this criteria and single criteria are widely viewed as erroneous.
Discover the difference between criteria vs. criterion with simple explanations, examples, and grammar tips. Learn how to use these commonly confused words correctly in English writing and speaking.
Although criteria is sometimes used as a singular, most often in speech and rather infrequently in edited prose, it continues strongly in use as a plural in standard English, with criterion as the singular.
Criteria is a plural noun that refers to the standards, principles, or benchmarks used to evaluate, judge, or make decisions about something. It denotes the specific requirements or conditions that must be met for an assessment or judgment.
We're looking for a very specific sort of person and this woman seems to fulfil all of our criteria. More specific and less subjective criteria should be used in selecting people for promotion within the company.
