faultfinding

[ fawlt-fahyn-ding ]

/ ˈfɔltˌfaɪn dɪŋ /

the act of pointing out faults, especially faults of a petty nature; carping.

tending to find fault; disposed to complain or object; captious.

Origin of faultfinding

First recorded in 1620–30; fault + finding

2 critical, censorious.

Her first instinct was faultfinding, as against the child for screaming.

It Never Can Happen Again |William De Morgan
He seemed to have a mania for faultfinding; though doubtless there was much legitimate occasion for the exercise of that faculty.

The History of Cuba, vol. 1 |Willis Fletcher Johnson
Mrs. Ericson was harsh and faultfinding, constantly wounding the boy's pride; and Olaf was always setting her against him.

The Troll Garden and Selected Stories |Willa Cather
But the Creole, satisfied with her splendor, the crowning glory of a humble life, attributed her daughter's faultfinding to envy.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse |Vicente Blasco Ibanez

It is no time for faultfinding or resentment, said he, gently.

The Young Continentals at Bunker Hill |John T. McIntyre