nonjudgmental
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of nonjudgmental
First recorded in 1960–65; non- + judgmental
Explanation
Use the adjective nonjudgmental to describe someone who isn't overly critical. When you go to a friend for advice, you'll probably pick one you know will listen in a nonjudgmental way. When someone is judgmental, they approach all issues from a particular point of view, or in a critical way: in other words, they make moral judgments about them. If you're nonjudgmental, you're able to put aside these opinions and viewpoints, at least temporarily. The Latin root, iudicare, means "to judge or pronounce an opinion on."
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.
Taking a nonjudgmental “everyone is welcome” stance while maintaining Orthodox observance and palpably expressed faith in God, Chabad attracts many Jews who gravitate to its aura of authenticity.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
AI companions can provide a nonjudgmental and emotionally responsive interaction that may feel easier or safer than human relationships.
From Science Daily ● May 11, 2026
This sounds a bit intense, but it’s just a way of expressing your feelings in a nonjudgmental way.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 11, 2025
A tenant of doula care is nonjudgmental support, meaning the doula does not impose their values on the way a client chooses to approach their death.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2025
Dimple looked at Celia, trying to keep her expression as nonjudgmental as possible.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
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.
