withstand criticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withstand criticism" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is often used to mean that someone is able to endure or accept criticism without being negatively affected by it. An example sentence using this phrase is: "Their strong confidence enabled them to withstand criticism from their peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But what struck Bruschi most from observing Kraft and the league was the ability to withstand criticism.

The New York Times - Sports

Economists said stubbornly high unemployment and low inflation should help the Fed withstand criticism of its decision to ease monetary policy further.

The New York Times

Curators proposed a similar section in the current exhibit, arguing that this era was decades in the past and the party was now strong enough to withstand criticism.

The New York Times

Love that cannot withstand criticism is hardly the truest kind; love that requires constant, public affirmation eventually rings more false than true to those who hear it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UN Human Rights Council's decision to forbid "defamation" of religion fails to recognise the benefits of scrutiny in evaluating the integrity of a religion.Islam is strong enough to withstand criticism.

The Economist

Seeking contributors, Lee was mindful that most colleagues would be nervous walking the tightrope, so she approached prominent writers who might have enough stature to withstand criticism, including Philip Zimbardo, Judith Herman, Robert Jay Lifton, and Gail Sheehy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Mr. Santiago has withstood criticism since being named him nine months ago to lead the state police.

The New York Times

Although Myanmar's government has withstood criticism and a decade of sanctions, Mrs. Bush argued against resignation on the issue.

The New York Times

But, as I say to the girls on 'Top Model,' anybody who is at the top of anything has taken risks and withstood criticism and hardship.

The New York Times

But he said the government had withstood criticism for supporting America as long ago as the 1950's and 1960's, when Saudi Arabia was a cold war ally against the Soviet Union.

The New York Times

The research establishing situational crime prevention as a generally effective approach has withstood criticism that it lacks intellectual weight and would not work.

Crime Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "withstand criticism", ensure the subject has demonstrated resilience or strength in the face of opposition. For example, "The company's innovative strategy helped them withstand criticism from industry analysts."

Common error

Avoid using "withstand criticism" when the subject hasn't actually faced or overcome significant critique. For example, don't say "The project will withstand criticism" before it has been reviewed or challenged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withstand criticism" functions as a verb phrase describing the ability to endure or resist negative feedback. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying resilience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

OtherRelated

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "withstand criticism" is a correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicating the ability to endure or resist negative feedback. Although relatively uncommon, it is found in diverse sources such as news media, science, and encyclopedias. The usage contexts highlight its neutral register and communicative purpose, which is to express resilience and maintain effectiveness despite opposition. Alternatives like "handle criticism" and "bear criticism" offer nuanced variations in meaning, while practical guidance emphasizes the importance of attributing the phrase appropriately, ensuring the subject has genuinely faced and overcome critique. Overall, "withstand criticism" is a valuable phrase for conveying strength and perseverance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handle criticism

Focuses on the management and response to criticism, rather than pure endurance.

bear criticism

Emphasizes the act of enduring criticism, often with a sense of burden.

endure criticism

Highlights the process of suffering through criticism over a period.

tolerate criticism

Suggests acceptance of criticism, even if unwelcome or unpleasant.

weather criticism

Implies successfully navigating through a period of intense criticism.

resist criticism

Focuses on actively opposing or deflecting criticism.

deflect criticism

Highlights the act of avoiding or redirecting criticism.

rebuff criticism

Suggests a firm rejection of criticism.

fend off criticism

Focuses on the act of defending oneself against criticism.

rise above criticism

Indicates overcoming criticism and maintaining a positive stance.

FAQs

How can I use "withstand criticism" in a sentence?

You can use "withstand criticism" to describe someone or something that is able to endure or resist negative feedback. For example, "The new policy had to "endure scrutiny" and "withstand criticism" before being implemented."

What are some alternatives to "withstand criticism"?

Some alternatives to "withstand criticism" include phrases like "handle criticism", "bear criticism", or "endure criticism", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "withstand criticism" or "avoid criticism"?

Whether it's better to "withstand criticism" or "avoid criticism" depends on the situation. If criticism is inevitable or potentially valuable, "withstanding criticism" and learning from it can be beneficial. However, in some cases, "avoiding criticism" through careful planning or communication may be preferable.

What does it mean to "withstand criticism" in a professional context?

In a professional context, to "withstand criticism" means to maintain composure and effectiveness despite facing negative feedback or scrutiny. It involves "handling criticism" constructively and using it to improve performance or outcomes.