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

Feminist philosophers, like Martha Nussbaum and Annette Baier, offer an explanation for our refusal to relinquish it: The claim to objectivity offers us the dream of invulnerability. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Jan. 2025

American supporters of Israel recoiled, arguing that Carter had lost the objectivity that had guided him at Camp David. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025

When internal resources are stretched or objectivity is needed, third-party consultants can provide valuable insights and strategies to bridge the gap. —Boyd Clewis, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

In memo to employees, Cheeks wrote that an editorial meeting should be called to talk about the standards for fairness and objectivity set within the news division. —Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

objective entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined above