Yes, ‘criticization’ is a word, but it is not commonly used and may not be recognized by everyone. It refers to the act of criticizing or judging something or someone. However, in everyday conversation and writing, the term ‘criticism’ is far more prevalent.
To explain further, ‘criticization’ can be viewed as a more complex or formal term for the act of making negative judgments. While it conveys the same idea as ‘criticism,’ its usage is rare, and many people may prefer simpler alternatives like ‘critique,’ ‘review,’ or ‘evaluation’ depending on the context.
In summary, while you can find ‘criticization’ in dictionaries and it is grammatically correct, it’s best to use more common terms to ensure clarity in your communication.