# criterion

## noun

cri·te·ri·on
krī-ˈtir-ē-ən

also krə-

plural criteria
krī-ˈtir-ē-ə

also krə-

also criterions
1

**:**a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based

the university's

*criteria*for admission2

**:**a characterizing mark or trait

Is criteria singular or plural?: Usage Guide


The plural *criteria* has been used as a singular for over half a century.

let me now return to the third

*criteria*—R. M. Nixon
that really is the

*criteria*—Bert LanceMany of our examples, like the two foregoing, are taken from speech. But singular *criteria* is not uncommon in edited prose, and its use both in speech and writing seems to be increasing. Only time will tell whether it will reach the unquestioned acceptability of *agenda.*

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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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