Negative Review Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：unfavorable critique (Negative Review)

Negative Review 🔊

/ˈnɛɡətɪv rɪˈvjuː/

When someone says they didn't like a product, service, or piece of art, and explains why.

Negative review on phone screen with one-star rating and disappointed comment

unfavorable critique 🔊

➕

/ʌnˈfeɪvərəbəl krɪˈtiːk/

A statement expressing disapproval or criticism of a product, service, or creative work, often with reasons.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Negative from Latin 'negare' (to deny); Review from Latin 'revidere' (to see again).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a minus sign (-) next to a star rating — that's a negative review.

📖 Example

I was going to buy that new washing machine, but after reading a negative review about its cleaning power, I changed my mind. 🔊 I was going to buy that new washing machine, but after reading a negative review about its cleaning power, I changed my mind.

🔗 Collocations

leave a negative review – to post a criticism of a product or service online

read a negative review – to peruse a critical appraisal before deciding

respond to a negative review – to reply officially to a customer's complaint

🔄 Synonyms

criticism (n.) – a statement expressing disapproval

bad review (n.) – an unfavorable evaluation

complaint (n.) – an expression of dissatisfaction

🚫 Antonyms

positive review (n.) – a favorable evaluation

praise (n.) – expressions of approval or admiration

🌱 Derivatives

reviewer (n.) – a person who writes reviews

negativity (n.) – a negative attitude or quality

📖 Cultural Story

Modern usage surged with e-commerce; Amazon's 1995 launch of customer reviews made 'negative review' a key term in consumer feedback culture.