What does objective mean?
An objective is a particular goal or outcome that someone or an organization intends to achieve. The adjective objective describes an approach, judgment, or description that is based on facts, evidence, and impartial criteria rather than personal feelings, preferences, or speculation. In everyday use, a clear objective gives a discussion or project a defined direction, while an objective assessment is intended to be fair and independent of the assessor’s interests. The word can also have a specialized grammatical meaning: in an active sentence, the object receives the action of the verb, as in “she solved the problem,” where “the problem” is the direct object. Because objective combines the practical sense of a goal with the evaluative sense of impartiality, it is useful whenever a speaker wants to distinguish a concrete purpose or evidence-based judgment from an opinion.
A specific goal, aim, or desired outcome.
"The team’s objective was to increase readership by twenty percent."
Often used in professional, educational, and institutional contexts; “objective” can be pluralized as “objectives.”
Based on facts, evidence, or impartial criteria rather than personal feelings or opinions.
"The report offers an objective account of the events."
This meaning is especially common in discussion of judgments, assessments, descriptions, and standards.
Used when referring to multiple goals, aims, or desired outcomes, especially in planning, education, and project management.
"The committee identified three objectives for the coming year."
An objective is something you aim for; an objective judgment is something you try not to let your own wishes distort.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does objective come from?
Objective entered English through Medieval Latin, ultimately deriving from Latin obiectus, “thrown toward” or “presented before,” from obicere, “to throw or place before.” The word’s development reflects the idea of presenting something to view so that it can be considered directly. Its cognates include subject, project, reject, and inject, all built from related forms of the Latin root jacere, “to throw.”
Related word forms
How objective is actually used
In general use, objective is commonly associated with impartiality, factual accuracy, and a goal. In grammar, it describes a noun or pronoun receiving the action of a verb or following a preposition.
Easily confused with objective
Objective judgments are based on observable facts or agreed criteria, while subjective judgments reflect personal feelings, tastes, or interpretations.
An objective is a goal or intended outcome, whereas an objective assessment is one conducted impartially and according to factual criteria.