objectivity

noun

ob·​jec·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌäb-ˌjek-ˈti-və-tē 

əb-

: the quality or character of being objective : lack of favoritism toward one side or another : freedom from bias

Many people questioned the selection committee's objectivity.

It can be difficult for parents to maintain objectivity about their children's accomplishments.

Many critics disputed the objectivity and reliability of his field observations, foreshadowing current anthropological concerns about the ability of any fieldworker to rise above personal preconceptions and impartially describe another culture.

—Bruce Bower

In journalistic circles, there was a good deal of hand-wringing that the bonds forged between reporters and soldiers could threaten objectivity.

—Mark Jurkowitz

Synonyms

• detachment
• disinterest
• disinterestedness
• equity
• evenhandedness
• fair-mindedness
• fairness
• impartiality
• justice
• neutralism
• neutrality
• nonpartisanship
• objectiveness

Examples of objectivity in a Sentence

the teacher's objectivity would be seriously compromised if his own child were placed in the class

Recent Examples on the Web

Virtues of liberal institutions, such as objectivity and evenhandedness, cannot be seamlessly imported into emotional life without some disturbing costs. —Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 3 July 2024

If measurement outcomes are relative to observers, that calls into question the entire scientific enterprise, which depends on the objectivity of experimental findings. —Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

Challenges may arise from Cancer's need for emotional validation conflicting with Libra's objectivity and detached approach. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024

Although many archaeologists are trained to prize objectivity, Indigenous scholars approach research with a different sort of grounding. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

objective entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above