WordGarden.iounobjectionable
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Meanings
Adjective
acceptable and not likely to cause disapproval or offense
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're hosting a dinner party with very particular guests. You want everything just so. A plain vanilla cake might be utterly unobjectionable - it won't wow anyone, but nobody will complain about it either. It simply fits in.
"Unobjectionable" doesn't mean exciting or brilliant; it means free from anything that could cause disagreement or offense. Think of a beige wall in an office: perfectly functional and unlikely to spark debate. A politician might give an unobjectionable speech, carefully avoiding controversial topics to appeal to the widest audience. It's safe, plain, and, well, unobjectionable.
The word "unobjectionable" describes something that is acceptable, harmless, or inoffensive enough not to provoke disagreement or criticism. It doesn't necessarily mean something is good—just that it isn't bad in a way that anyone would actively object to.
Think of it as existing within the bounds of what's generally considered polite or appropriate. A bland statement, a neutral color, or a simple solution can all be described as unobjectionable. It suggests a lack of strong qualities—positive or negative.
The context often implies a situation where avoiding conflict is important. For example: "The proposed changes to the policy were largely unobjectionable," meaning no one had serious concerns about them. Or, "His behavior at the party was perfectly unobjectionable," suggesting he didn't cause any trouble or offend anyone.
"Unobjectionable" can also be used ironically, implying something is boring or lacking in personality because it's so safe and bland. A truly memorable piece of art isn't usually unobjectionable—it provokes a reaction!
So, while "unobjectionable" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue with excitement, it describes anything that quietly blends into the background without causing a stir—a quality sometimes surprisingly valuable in navigating social or professional situations.
Examples
- 1
Hotel stay
The hotel was clean, quiet, and perfectly unobjectionable.
- 2
Committee approval
Her proposal was unobjectionable to most of the committee, so it passed quickly.
- Patternunobjectionable to + person/group
acceptable to that person or group
- 3
Family entertainment
It's an unobjectionable film for a family night, even if no one will remember it tomorrow.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- perfectly unobjectionable
- unobjectionable material
- unobjectionable proposal
Word family
Explore
- acceptability
- social norms
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unobjectionableadjective