subjectivity
Americannoun
plural
subjectivities-
the state or quality of being subjective; subjectiveness.
-
a subjective thought or idea.
-
intentness on internal thoughts.
-
internal reality.
Other Word Forms
- nonsubjectivity noun
Etymology
Origin of subjectivity
First recorded in 1805–15; subjective + -ity; probably modeled on German Subjectivität
Explanation
Subjectivity refers to how someone’s judgment is shaped by personal opinions and feelings instead of outside influences. Subjectivity is partially responsible for why one person loves an abstract painting while another person hates it. Since a subject is a person, subjectivity refers to how a person's own uniqueness influences their perceptions. For example, if you have six sisters, that might influence how you view women or families — it's part of your subjectivity. Subjectivity is a form of bias and also individuality. Subjectivity is the opposite of objectivity, which is based purely on the facts and isn't personal. We expect judges to put aside their subjectivity and make decisions based on objectivity.
Vocabulary lists containing subjectivity
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At this point, it is worth stating there is a subjectivity to what constitutes a 'good' pitch.
From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025
In a bid to purge subjectivity, the definitions were written in a style that was minutely descriptive but might charitably be called ungainly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025
While both of those crimes are terrible and certainly deserving of harsh punishment, they also highlight the subjectivity of the “exceedingly rare” standard he’s using.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025
Couples going through IVF run up against the uncertainty of medicine, the subjectivity that plays into deciding what protocol to try next, and the fact that IVF is a business.
From Slate • Jan. 13, 2025
The intensely personal nature of his business, the subjectivity of taste, the variables of light and curtains and carpets, guaranteed that minds would reevaluate and work would have to be redone.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
