Synonyms

subjectivity

American

[suhb-jek-tiv-i-tee] / ˌsʌb dʒɛkˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

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.

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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.

As a new joint rule-making by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and Comptroller of the Currency explains, “supervising for reputation risk as a standalone risk adds substantial subjectivity to bank supervision and can be abused.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

One platform’s founder claimed the prediction market represents “the most accurate thing we have as mankind right now,” while another’s leader asserted the platform is “replacing debate, subjectivity, and talk with markets, accuracy, and truth.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

In adds an extra layer of subjectivity to decision making.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

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

“Nailed it. Either that or I failed horribly. Could go either way, based on subjectivity and revisionist history,” Sean murmured.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023