subjectivity

American  

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

noun

plural

subjectivities

1. the state or quality of being subjective; subjectiveness.

2. a subjective thought or idea.

3. intentness on internal thoughts.

4. internal reality.

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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.

Example Sentences

“Kalshi is replacing debate, subjectivity, and talk with markets, accuracy, and truth,” Chief Executive Tarek Mansour said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

At this point, it is worth stating there is a subjectivity to what constitutes a 'good' pitch.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

While there can be some subjectivity involved with hard skills, it's generally easy for employers to see whether or not you have those skills.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2025

And that subjectivity, he said, tends to favor the league’s star players.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2024

Vitruvius described something like perspective painting, but the Renaissance invented a new combination of subjectivity and objectivity, the situated viewer and the vanishing point.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• individuality