objectivity

American  

[ob-jik-tiv-i-tee, -jek-] / ˌɒb dʒɪkˈtɪv ɪ ti, -dʒɛk- /

noun

1. the state or quality of being objective.

   He tries to maintain objectivity in his judgment.

2. intentness on objects external to the mind.

3. external reality.

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Etymology

Origin of objectivity

First recorded in 1795–1805; objective + -ity

Explanation

Objectivity is a noun that means a lack of bias, judgment, or prejudice. Maintaining one's objectivity is the most important job of a judge. The meaning of objectivity is easy to remember, when you see that the word "object" embedded within it. While it can be hard to show objectivity about people or pets, it's easy to be more "objective" about objects. I can show objectivity about a box of rocks; it's much harder to show it with my dog. The opposite of objectivity is "subjectivity," which is personal bias or opinion.

Example Sentences

Objectivity and neutrality are key tenets of analysts’ work, says Brent Taylor, an adviser with consulting firm J.S.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

So, two things can be true at once: Objectivity can be a worthy goal, and also we can bring our identity to the stories that we tell.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 30, 2023

Objectivity should never be confused with fairness, she argues.

From Washington Post • Sep. 13, 2022

Kelley once remarked, “Critique, to me, is better than objectivity. Objectivity is a false stance.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2022

Objectivity of Dreams.—In waking life we distinguish ideas or mental images from real objects by the fact that we are able under normal circumstances to dismiss the former at will.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 7 "Drama" to "Dublin" by Various

Related Words

• detachment
• equality
• neutrality