English Reference
noun · adjective

objective

n. · adj.
US /əbˈdʒɛktɪv/ UK /ɒbdʒˈɛktɪv/ ob·jec·tive UK spelling objectives

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.something that you are trying to achieve.

    n.a specific result or goal that a person or system aims to achieve.

    Simple

    The main objective of the meeting is to decide on next year's budget.

    In context

    The primary strategic objective of the campaign was to increase brand awareness among younger demographics without alienating existing customers.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.the lens in a microscope or camera that is closest to the thing you are looking at.

    n.the lens or system of lenses in an optical instrument which is nearest to the object being viewed.

    Simple

    He carefully cleaned the objective of the microscope before starting the experiment.

    In context

    The technician adjusted the high-power objective to bring the cellular structure into sharp focus for the digital capture.

    objective lens
    eyepiece
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    adj.based on real facts and not influenced by personal feelings or opinions.

    adj.not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on unbiased, observable facts.

    Simple

    It is hard to remain objective when you are arguing with a close friend.

    In context

    The journalist struggled to provide an objective account of the conflict, given the overwhelming emotional weight of the testimonies she recorded.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.relating to the form of a word when it is the object of a sentence.

    adj.relating to the grammatical case used for a noun or pronoun that functions as the object of a verb or preposition.

    Simple

    In the sentence 'She saw him', the word 'him' is in the objective case.

    In context

    The student confused the subjective and objective forms of the pronoun, leading to several errors in the formal written assignment.

    accusative
    nominative

Usage address objective · long-term objective · meet objective

The objective should be to pressure Washington, not weaponize the cost of living against Canadians.

Toronto Sun· 23 Aug 2026

Straus pursued more mundane objectives that included championing milk pasteurization.

The Conversation· 11 Aug 2026

From Middle English obgectyf, from Middle French objectif and its etymon Medieval Latin obiectīvus. By surface analysis, object + -ive.

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

This entry
Origin la-med obiectīvus
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated