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

Whereas empathy can lead to emotional entanglement that can distort decision-making, compassionate objectivity acknowledges and validates emotions without being overtaken by them. —Tim Maurer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

Over time, partisan news has flourished, and mainstream outlets have struggled to maintain broad credibility even while striving for objectivity. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

And that’s because what a disinterested lawyer would do is bring in that objectivity. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025

Timothy Naftali, a research scholar at Columbia who wrote the essay on the resignation, wasn’t the only participant to drop the historian’s objectivity and confess to feeling emotional after the debate. —Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

objective entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for objectivity

• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity
• corrosivity
• creativity
• diffusivity
• directivity
• effectivity
• emissivity
• exclusivity