What does objection mean?
An objection is a statement that expresses opposition, disapproval, or concern about a proposed action, decision, or claim. It may be informal, as when a reader objects to an article's wording, or formal, as when a participant records an objection during a committee meeting. The word can also denote a reason for disapproving something, especially in legal and parliamentary language. People raise, make, voice, or withdraw an objection; a strong objection may prevent or delay a decision. Although objection sounds forceful, it is not necessarily hostile: saying there is no objection to a proposal is a conventional way of indicating that it may proceed. The word is related to object, from the Latin obicere, meaning to throw or place against, and reflects the idea of placing an obstacle in the way of a proposal or accepted view.
nounAn expression of opposition, disapproval, or concern about something. In formal contexts, an objection can also mean a formal complaint or a reason for disapproving of a proposal or action.
- An expression of opposition, disapproval, or concern about a plan, action, statement, or perceived problem.
- A formal complaint or reason for disapproving of a proposal, decision, or action.
- A difficulty or perceived flaw that prevents acceptance, approval, or smooth progress.
"She raised an objection to the proposal before the committee began its deliberations."
"There were no objections to the revised timetable."
"The chair upheld the objection and suspended the discussion."
The regular plural is 'objections'; in parliamentary and legal contexts, objections are often described as being raised, recorded, upheld, or withdrawn.
"The committee considered several objections before approving the plan."
The word objection comes from the same root as object: what you object to is, quite literally, the thing placed in front of you as an obstacle to your position.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of objection
Objection comes from the Latin obiectio, a throwing or placing against, formed from obicere, 'to throw against' or 'place before.' In English, the word developed through the sense of presenting a difficulty or opposition, and the verb object has a parallel history of expressing resistance or disapproval. Related forms include objective, objectivity, and objectify, all based on the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How objection is actually used
In everyday use, objection often means a spoken or written expression of disapproval. In legal, parliamentary, and formal administrative contexts, it commonly refers to a formally recorded challenge to a proposal or decision. The phrase 'I have no objection' is formal but widely understood, while 'object' is often more direct and conversational.
Easily confused with objection
An objection is a statement of opposition or complaint, whereas an object is the thing or matter being discussed, considered, or opposed.
An objection expresses opposition to a proposal or course of action, while a protest is often a more public or demonstrative expression of disapproval.