Criterion

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Criterion (noun) (kıraytiriın)  a standard, rule, or principle by which something is judged, evaluated, or decided.Criteria: (kıraytiria) Plural form

“Criterion” is the word for a measuring stick you use to make judgements. When you’re deciding whether a job candidate is suitable, what criteria do you use? Experience? Qualifications? Personality? Each of these is a criterion — a specific factor you consider when making your assessment.

The word appears whenever decisions need to be justified or evaluations need to be transparent. Universities have admission criteria. Companies have hiring criteria. Awards have judging criteria. Grants have eligibility criteria. In each case, criteria are the standards that determine who or what qualifies, wins, or gets selected.

One crucial point: “criterion” is singular, and “criteria” is plural. This comes from Greek, and it’s a distinction native speakers sometimes get wrong — you’ll hear people say “a criteria” incorrectly. But in careful English, you should say “one criterion” and “several criteria.” This distinction matters in formal, academic, and professional contexts.

The word has a formal, precise tone. In everyday conversation, people might say “what are you looking for?” or “what counts?” But when you need to be specific and official — in applications, assessments, policies, and academic work — “criterion/criteria” is the standard choice.

Examples from the street:

• “What criteria are you using to choose the winner?” → what standards or factors will determine your decision?
• “Price was the main criterion for our decision” → cost was the primary factor we considered when choosing
• “You need to meet all the eligibility criteria to apply” → you must satisfy every requirement to be considered

2. Most Common Patterns

• criterion for + noun/-ing → standard used to judge something specific
• criteria for + noun/-ing → multiple standards (plural form)
• meet/satisfy/fulfil the criteria → match the required standards
• selection/eligibility/assessment criteria → standards for choosing, qualifying, or evaluating
• the main/key/primary criterion → the most important standard
• based on + criteria → using certain standards as the foundation for judgement
• set/establish criteria → decide what standards will be used

3. Idioms

Note: There are no common idioms directly containing “criterion” — these are related expressions:

• tick all the boxes → meet all the required criteria; satisfy every standard on a checklistExample: “On paper, she ticks all the boxes — great experience, right qualifications, excellent references.”
• measure up → meet the required standard; be good enough when judged against criteriaExample: “He’s worried he won’t measure up to his predecessor’s achievements.”

4. Example Sentences

1. The only criterion for entry is that you must be over eighteen→ The single requirement for participating is being an adult.
2. Candidates will be assessed based on several criteria including experience and qualifications→ Applicants will be judged using multiple standards such as work history and credentials.
3. Price shouldn’t be the sole criterion when choosing a university→ Cost shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when selecting where to study.
4. You need to meet all the criteria to be eligible for the scholarship→ You must satisfy every requirement to qualify for the financial award.
5. What criteria did they use to make the shortlist?→ What standards did they apply when selecting the final candidates?
6. Safety was the primary criterion in the design process→ Protection from harm was the most important factor considered during development.
7. The selection criteria are clearly listed on the application form→ The standards used for choosing are explicitly stated in the documents.
8. Unfortunately, your project doesn’t satisfy the criteria for funding→ Regrettably, your work doesn’t meet the requirements for financial support.
9. They need to establish clear criteria before they start interviewing→ They should decide on specific standards before beginning the candidate meetings.
10. By every criterion, the experiment was a success→ Judged against any standard you choose, the test achieved its goals.

5. Personal Examples

1. Fluency and accuracy are both important criteria when assessing speaking ability→ Smoothness and correctness are key standards for evaluating how well someone speaks.
2. The main criterion for progress isn’t perfection — it’s whether students communicate more confidently than before→ The primary measure of improvement isn’t flawlessness but increased confidence in expressing oneself.

6. Register: Formal

✔ Native usage tips

• “Criterion” is singular, “criteria” is plural — this Greek-origin distinction matters in formal English
• Many native speakers incorrectly say “a criteria” — avoid this in writing and professional contexts
• “Criteria” is far more common than “criterion” because we usually consider multiple factors, not just one
• The word is standard in academic, business, legal, and official contexts — less common in casual conversation
• In everyday speech, people often say “requirements,” “standards,” or “what you’re looking for” instead

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Standard → more general; criterion is specifically about judgement and evaluation
• Requirement → emphasises what’s necessary; criterion emphasises what’s used for assessment
• Benchmark → a reference point for comparison; criterion is broader, covering any evaluative factor