WordGarden.ioobjectionable
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɒbdʒˈɛkʃənəbəl/
US
- /əbˈdʒɛkʃənəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
causing disapproval because it seems offensive, wrong, or unacceptable
open to formal objection in a legal or procedural setting
Beyond the definition
Something objectionable is not just disliked; it causes real disapproval or offense. Imagine a comedian telling a joke that many people find objectionable because it is insensitive. It is more than simply not funny; it feels wrong, offensive, or not acceptable. The word suggests that someone has a reason to protest or complain. A messy room might be untidy, but rude or insulting behavior is much more likely to be objectionable.
The context often matters. What is objectionable to one person may not bother another, depending on their values, standards, or sensitivity. You might find a certain kind of language objectionable, while someone else hardly notices it. The idea is that something crosses a line and leads to clear disapproval.
The word objectionable describes something that people see as offensive, improper, or unacceptable. It goes beyond simple dislike. If something is objectionable, it gives people a reason to object to it, criticize it, or say that it should not be accepted.
You might see the term used for behavior, speech, images, policies, or ideas. For example: "His constant interrupting was highly objectionable during the meeting." Or: "Many viewers found the advertisement objectionable because of how it portrayed women." In these cases, the word suggests that something violates social, moral, or personal standards.
Objectionable is often used for things that seem morally wrong, offensive, insulting, or unsuitable, but it can also be used for things that strongly bother people in a serious way. A comment can be objectionable because it is rude or prejudiced. A rule can be objectionable because it feels unfair. A scene in a film can be objectionable because it is too violent or explicit for some viewers. The key idea is not just annoyance, but a sense that the thing deserves criticism or opposition.
Historically, objectionable stems from the word "object," meaning to express opposition or protest. This origin highlights its core meaning: something that elicits a negative reaction strong enough to be voiced.
So, if you find yourself thinking, "This is not acceptable," "This is offensive," or "I have to object to this," then objectionable may be the right word. It is used when something crosses the line from mere dislike to clear disapproval.
Examples
- 1
Public reaction
Many viewers found the joke objectionable.
- 2
Edited language
The article was edited to remove objectionable language.
- 3
Harmless request
I do not see anything objectionable about asking for a second opinion.
- Patternobjectionable about + thing
a problem with it
- 4
Parent concerns
The proposal was objectionable to several parents because it would increase class sizes.
- Patternobjectionable to + person/group
unacceptable or troubling to them
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Online ads
The company blocked ads next to violent or otherwise objectionable content.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- objectionable content
- objectionable material
- objectionable behavior
- find something objectionable
Word family
Explore
- censorship
- social norms
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- objectionableadjective