Meaning & use
objectives
Last updated
“objectives” is a form of “objective”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
The specific results or goals that a plan, course, or project is meant to achieve.
Grammar: Plural of 'objective'; the singular 'objective' is used for one goal, the plural for a set of goals.
Patterns
- meet the objectives
- set objectives
- objectives of something
- achieve an objective
The team set clear objectives for the first month of the project.
Our main objectives are to cut costs and improve quality.
She listed the learning objectives at the top of the lesson plan.
nounpluraltechnical
In grammar, the case or form of a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb.
Grammar: A technical use, usually in the singular 'the objective'; the plural appears in phrases like 'objective cases'.
Patterns
- the objective case
In 'she saw him', 'him' is in the objective case.
Students often confuse subjective and objective pronouns.
Word forms
| singular | objective |
|---|
Common combinations
- set objectives
- Before the meeting, the manager set objectives for each department.
- meet objectives
- The new system helped us meet our objectives ahead of schedule.
- clear objectives
- Good training starts with clear objectives.
- learning objectives
- Each chapter begins with a short list of learning objectives.
- achieve an objective
- They achieved every objective they had agreed on.
Synonyms and how they differ
- goals
- More personal or long-term; 'objectives' often sounds more formal and measurable in business or study contexts.
- aims
- Close in meaning but slightly broader and less measurable; 'objectives' usually suggests specific, checkable results.
- targets
- Often refers to exact numbers or deadlines, while 'objectives' can be wider in scope.
Word family
- objective noun
- A single goal or aim.
- objectively adverb
- In a fair, fact-based way, without personal feelings.
- objectivity noun
- The quality of judging without personal bias.
Commonly confused: objectives or objection? objectives or objectives vs. objects?
objectives vs objection
An objection is a reason for disagreeing; an objective is a goal you want to reach.
objectives vs objectives vs. objects
'Objects' are things you can see or touch; 'objectives' are aims or targets.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'objectives' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Objectives' is a plural noun meaning goals, so it fits 'The objectives of the study were clearly stated.' Option A uses it as a verb, which it is not; option C confuses it with the verb 'objects' (disagrees); option D treats it as physical objects.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “objectives”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.