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

Reality check: Most major newspapers and regional chains have stopped presidential endorsements, citing everything from objectivity, lack of resources, failing trust in media and potential fallout that hurts the bottom line. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024

Remind yourself that every market and customer brings a unique objectivity and that the reality is this is a non-linear, iterative process with continuous evolution. —Mustansir Paliwala, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Assessing the root of conflict requires objectivity. —Sonal Jain, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Every news organization that feigns objectivity is actually heavily slanted toward the left. —Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

objective entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above