English Reference
noun

objection

n.
US /əbˈdʒɛkʃən/ UK /ɒbdʒˈɛkʃən/ ob·jec·tion UK spelling objection's, objection's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a reason why you do not like or agree with a plan or idea.

    an expression or feeling of disapproval or opposition; a reason or argument presented against a proposal.

    Simple

    The main objection to the new highway is that it will be too noisy for the neighbors.

    In context

    Despite several strong objections to the proposed budget cuts, the board decided to move forward with the plan anyway.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'to' and a noun or gerund.

    Pitfall
    I have an objection against the new rule. I have an objection to the new rule.

    The noun 'objection' is almost always followed by the preposition 'to', not 'against'.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    a formal protest made in a court of law because a rule was broken.

    a formal protest raised during a trial or legal proceeding regarding a violation of the rules of evidence or procedure.

    Simple

    The lawyer raised an objection when the witness started talking about rumors.

    In context

    The judge sustained the defense's objection, ruling that the prosecution's line of questioning was irrelevant to the current case.

    Usage

    Commonly used with the verbs 'raise', 'overrule', or 'sustain'.

He says the matters were raised by Patterson’s defence lawyer, Colin Mandy SC , in his closing address and some in objections during the trial.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

The moral objections to Infantino’s investment plan are manifest, but perhaps more striking still – for a president who has staked everything on his ability to drive revenue – is the economic illiteracy.

The Guardian· 5 Aug 2026

From Middle French objection, from Old French objeccion, from Latin obiectio. Equivalent to object + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated