diff --git a/Cargo.toml b/Cargo.toml
index c47601231..0df800e0b 100644
--- a/Cargo.toml
+++ b/Cargo.toml
@@ -91,7 +91,9 @@ features = ["std"]
 
 [dev-dependencies]
 assert-json-diff = "1.0.0"
-criterion = "0.3"
+# a nightly rustc regression (35dbef235 2021-03-02) prevents criterion from compiling
+#  but it isn't necessary for tests: only benchmarks. therefore, commenting out for now.
+# criterion = "0.3"
 stx_genesis = { package = "stx-genesis", path = "./stx-genesis/."}
 
 [features]