Noun (plural) B2 — Upper-Intermediate /kraɪˈtɪəriə/

Criteria — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

The standards or principles used to judge or evaluate something — an essential word for academic, professional, and everyday English.

Quick Definition

Criteria are the principles or standards used to judge or decide something. The singular form is criterion. Example: "The selection criteria for the award include originality and impact."

What Does Criteria Mean?

Criteria is the plural of criterion, which comes from the Greek word kriterion, meaning "a means for judging". The word entered English via Latin in the 17th century and is now widely used in academic, professional, and formal writing to describe specific standards or conditions used to evaluate, select, or judge something.

You will encounter criteria in job adverts ("meet the selection criteria"), academic contexts ("the assessment criteria are listed below"), legal documents ("the criteria for eligibility"), and everyday decision-making ("my main criteria for choosing a flat are price and location"). It is one of the most useful B2 nouns for professional and academic English.

A very common ESL mistake is treating criteria as singular: "This criteria is important" is incorrect. Because criteria is already plural, it must take a plural verb: "These criteria are important." When referring to just one standard, the correct word is criterion: "The most important criterion is accuracy."

Example Sentences

SentenceUsage note
The selection criteria for the scholarship include academic excellence and financial need.academic / formal
All applicants must meet the entry criteria before submitting an application.meet the criteria
The judge explained each criterion clearly before the competition began.singular: criterion
Price, location, and size are the main criteria I use when choosing a flat.everyday decision-making
The new safety criteria were introduced following the accident last year.criteria + plural verb
The job advertisement listed five key criteria for the role.professional / HR English
Does this product meet the quality criteria required by the EU?regulatory / business
Teachers use clear assessment criteria so that students understand how their work is graded.educational context

Word Forms

FormWordExample
Noun (singular)criterionThe most important criterion is relevance.
Noun (plural)criteriaAll three criteria must be satisfied.
AdjectivecriterialCriterial features distinguish one sound from another. (linguistics)
Verb (related)judge / evaluateWe will evaluate candidates against set criteria.
Adverb (related)criticallyEach application is critically assessed against the criteria.

Collocations

CollocationExample phrase
meet the criteriaOnly candidates who meet the criteria will be shortlisted.
selection criteriaThe selection criteria are published on the website.
assessment criteriaRead the assessment criteria before you start writing your essay.
strict criteriaMembership is granted only to those who pass strict criteria.
set / define criteriaThe committee will set the criteria for the competition.
eligibility criteriaCheck the eligibility criteria before applying for the grant.
key criteriaCost and reliability are the key criteria in our decision.
fulfil the criteriaYour application must fulfil all the criteria listed above.

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

This criteria is very important for the decision.

These criteria are very important for the decision. (criteria is plural — use a plural verb)

We only have one criteria to check.

We only have one criterion to check. (one item = singular: criterion)

A criteria for success is hard work.

A criterion for success is hard work. (never use "a" with a plural noun)

Synonyms

standards requirements measures benchmarks conditions guidelines parameters specifications

Related Words

measure standard condition require evaluate judge assess All Common Words →

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Cloze Dropdown

Frequently Asked Questions about “criteria”

What does criteria mean?
Criteria are the principles or standards used to judge, evaluate, or make a decision about something. For example: "The selection criteria for the job include a degree and two years of experience." Criteria is the plural of criterion.
What is the singular of criteria?
The singular form of criteria is criterion. This comes from Greek via Latin. In formal writing, you should use "one criterion" (singular) and "two criteria" (plural). In informal speech, some people use "criteria" as a singular, but this is considered an error in academic and professional contexts.
Is it correct to say "a criteria"?
No — "a criteria" is incorrect because criteria is plural. The correct forms are: "a criterion" (singular) or "the criteria" / "several criteria" (plural). Example: "There is one criterion you must meet." / "There are three criteria you must meet."
How do you use criteria in a sentence?
Criteria is always used with a plural verb: "The criteria are clearly defined." Common patterns: "meet the criteria", "set criteria", "fulfil the criteria", "evaluation criteria", "selection criteria". Example: "All applicants must meet the entry criteria before being considered."
What is the difference between criteria and requirements?
Requirements are things that are obligatory — you must have them. Criteria are standards used to measure or evaluate. In practice they often overlap, but "criteria" suggests judgment and comparison, while "requirements" suggests a fixed minimum that must be met. Example: "The minimum requirements include a degree; the selection criteria include leadership experience."
What are common collocations with criteria?
Common collocations include: meet the criteria, fulfil the criteria, set criteria, establish criteria, define criteria, evaluation criteria, selection criteria, assessment criteria, strict criteria, clear criteria, specific criteria. These collocations appear frequently in academic, legal, and business writing.
What is the origin of the word criteria?
Criteria comes from the Greek word "kriterion", meaning a means for judging, from "krinein" (to judge or decide). It entered English via Latin in the 17th century. The -ia ending is the Greek/Latin plural marker, which is why the singular is criterion and the plural is criteria.
What part of speech is criteria?
Criteria is a noun — specifically a count noun in its plural form. The singular is criterion. Both forms are used in formal English. Criteria functions as the subject or object of a sentence: "The criteria were not met." / "They reviewed the selection criteria carefully."
What is the difference between criteria and standard?
Both refer to measures of quality or acceptability. "Standard" often suggests a fixed level of quality ("high standards"), while "criteria" refers to specific individual points used to evaluate or select ("the criteria for admission"). You can have multiple criteria that together define a standard.
How can I practise the word criteria in English?
LexFizz's Flash Cards include academic and professional vocabulary like criteria. Try the Complete the Sentence or Cloze Dropdown exercises to practise using criteria in context. Writing a short paragraph describing the criteria for a decision — such as choosing a job or university — is also an effective technique.