objective
gb/əbd͡ʒˈɛktɪv/ us/əbd͡ʒˈɛktɪv/
B1
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
something you aim to achieve
Something you want to do or get.
Usage pattern:
to achieve/reach/meet [an objective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'objective' with 'subjective'. 'Objective' here means a goal, not 'not influenced by feelings'.
Synonyms
goal (More general and common; often interchangeable, but 'objective' can sound more formal or specific.)
Antonyms
aimlessness (Lack of any goal or purpose.)
Collocations
main objective
|primary objective
|achieve an objective
|set objectives
|meet objectives
Themes
business
|education
|planning
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- Our main objective is to improve customer satisfaction.
- The company failed to meet its sales objectives this year.
- She set clear objectives for her career development.
- Achieving this objective will require teamwork and dedication.
Learner examples
- My objective is to learn English.
- The team's objective is to win the game.
- We have many objectives for this year.
adjective
B2
property
2
based only on facts
Based only on facts, not on what you feel or think.
Usage pattern:
to be objective about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'objective' (fact-based) with 'objection' (a protest). Also, mixing it with the noun meaning of 'goal'.
Synonyms
impartial (Emphasizes fairness and lack of bias, often in judging or decision-making.)
Antonyms
subjective (Based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.)
Collocations
objective report
|objective analysis
|remain objective
|objective view
Themes
science
|journalism
|critical thinking
|core_vocabulary
|education
Examples
- A good journalist must remain objective when reporting the news.
- The judge listened to the evidence and made an objective decision.
- Try to be objective about your own performance.
Learner examples
- We need an objective opinion.
- It is hard to be objective about family.
- Teachers should be objective when grading tests.
Noun
technical
C1
entity
3
front lens in optical device
The front lens of a camera or microscope, closest to what you look at.
Common mistake:
Learners may not know this meaning unless studying science or photography.
Synonyms
objective lens (The precise technical term used in optics.)
Collocations
microscope objective
|camera objective lens
Themes
science
|photography
|technology
Examples
- The microscope's objective needs cleaning before use.
- He switched to a higher-power objective to see more detail.
- This camera has a high-quality zoom objective.
Learner examples
- The microscope has three objectives.
- Clean the objective before looking at the sample.
- A good camera has a strong objective.
Grammar
Dictionary form
objective
IPA
GB/əbd͡ʒˈɛktɪv/
US/əbd͡ʒˈɛktɪv/
Syllables & stress
ob - ject - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ject)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: objective
Noun
- Base: objective
- Plural: objectives
Word family
Forms
objectives
noun
Core family
objectively
adverb
objectivity
noun C1
Related words
object
noun A2
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
objective truth
1/əbd͡ʒˈɛktɪv tɹˈuθ/
fixed phrase
truth independent of opinion
Something that is true and real, not just what someone thinks.
Examples
- Science aims to discover objective truth.
- Some people doubt that objective truth exists.
primary objective
1/pɹˈaɪmˌɛɹi əbd͡ʒˈɛktɪv/
fixed phrase
most important goal
The most important thing you want to do.
Examples
- Our primary objective is to finish the project on time.
- Safety is the primary objective of this training.
remain objective
1/ɹɪmˈeɪn əbd͡ʒˈɛktɪv/
fixed phrase
stay fact-based and unbiased
To keep looking at facts and not let feelings change your view.
Examples
- During the debate, she tried hard to remain objective.
- It's difficult to remain objective when your family is involved.