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Meaning & use

objectionable

adjective·Academic

Last updated

UK/əbˈdʒekʃənəbl/
US/əbˈdʒekʃənəbəl/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparable

    Likely to upset or annoy people; not acceptable because it causes disapproval.

    Grammar: Used before a noun or after linking verbs like be, seem, find. Can be graded: very objectionable, more objectionable.

    Patterns

    • objectionable to someone
    • find something objectionable
    • highly objectionable

    The movie was criticized for its objectionable language.

    I find his jokes objectionable, especially in front of children.

    The company changed the ad after customers complained that it was objectionable.

  2. adjectivecomparableformal

    Open to disagreement or opposition; able to be objected to.

    Grammar: Often used in formal or legal contexts to mean that something can be formally opposed.

    Patterns

    • objectionable to someone
    • objectionable on grounds of something

    The proposal was objectionable to several board members.

    The clause was objectionable on legal grounds.

Word forms

comparativemore objectionable
superlativemost objectionable

Common combinations

objectionable content
The website filters out objectionable content.
objectionable behavior
The teacher addressed the student's objectionable behavior.
find something objectionable
Many readers found the article objectionable.
highly objectionable
The remark was highly objectionable to the audience.
objectionable to someone
The plan is objectionable to local residents.

Synonyms and how they differ

offensive
Stronger and more direct; offensive suggests causing hurt or anger, while objectionable is milder and often about disapproval.
unacceptable
Focuses on not being allowed or tolerable; objectionable focuses on causing opposition.
disagreeable
More about being unpleasant or bad-tempered; objectionable is about causing objection.

Opposites

acceptableagreeable

Word family

objection noun
A reason for disagreeing or opposing.
object verb
To say that you disagree with or oppose something.
objectionably adverb
In an objectionable manner.

Commonly confused: objectionable or objective?

objectionable vs objective

Objective means based on facts, not feelings; objectionable means causing disapproval.

Practice

The committee found the proposal ______ because it would harm local businesses.

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