less than objective

USAGE SUMMARY

"less than objective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that has the potential to be unbiased or impartial, but may be influenced by personal opinion or preferance. For example, "Based on his past experience, his assessment of the situation was less than objective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Admittedly, I'm less than objective.

The New Yorker

Some of the criteria used to rank the chateaus do seem less than objective.

The New York Times - Food

Hopefully, making the series with NFL Films will not force HBO to be anything less than objective...

The New York Times - Sports

This may be less than objective but it releases a story that is vivid, often heroic and sometimes funny in a ghastly way.

The Guardian - Books

Gunmen may be a useful catchall for journalists who do not want to appear less than objective by applying that standard of political intent and noncombatant victim.

The New York Times - Magazine

All had compelling voices, but the rating of operatic promise is complicated and, like judging in any art, less than objective.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

They are also often criticized by reporters — many of whom act as public handicappers and active horseplayers, thus presenting a less-than-objective viewpoint.

The New York Times - Sports

As such, it is comprehensive, but the user must click elsewhere to get all the information on a resort area, because sites run by the resorts tend to offer less-than-objective information.

The New York Times - Travel

On his blog, the long-established travel guidebook publisher Arthur Frommer, has, for example, pointedly noted the "allegations" that TripAdvisor reviews have been "manipulated and distorted by less-than-objective opinions".

The New York Times

And it's obvious that the movie is based upon several less-than-objective views of the boy wunderkind.

Huffington Post

(Needless to say, Schilling also made sure not to report that Drake has prayed for Obama's death, which makes him a less-than-objective plaintiff).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than objective" to describe situations where complete neutrality is expected but difficult to achieve, such as in art criticism or personal narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "less than objective" when a stronger term like "biased" or "prejudiced" is more accurate. The phrase implies a partial rather than a complete lack of objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than objective" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something deviates from complete impartiality. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests potential influence from personal opinion or preference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than objective" is a useful phrase for describing perspectives or assessments that may be influenced by personal biases. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is important to choose this phrase when a complete lack of objectivity is not implied, but rather a partial influence. Usage is common in news and media and scientific writing, reflecting contexts where neutrality is often strived for but potentially compromised. When using this phrase, make sure you choose alternatives like "somewhat subjective" or "not entirely impartial" according to the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not completely neutral

Simple and direct way of saying something isn't completely objective.

not entirely impartial

Highlights the absence of complete neutrality; more formal and emphasizes fairness.

somewhat subjective

Implies a degree of personal opinion influencing judgment; less direct than "less than objective".

partially biased

Directly suggests a leaning towards a particular viewpoint; stronger connotation of prejudice.

leaning towards a perspective

Indicates a tendency to favor one side; less accusatory and more neutral.

colored by personal opinion

Indicates influence of individual beliefs; more descriptive and less formal.

influenced by viewpoint

Implies impact of personal perspective, similar to colored by personal opinion.

affected by subjectivity

Highlights the impact of personal feelings; more academic or technical.

subject to interpretation

Emphasizes the role of individual understanding; focuses on variability rather than bias.

tainted by bias

Suggests corruption of objectivity; carries a negative connotation of unfairness.

FAQs

How can I use "less than objective" in a sentence?

You can use "less than objective" to describe an assessment, opinion, or viewpoint that is influenced by personal feelings or experiences. For example, "Based on his past experience, his assessment of the situation was "less than objective"".

What phrases are similar to "less than objective"?

Alternatives include "somewhat subjective", "partially biased", or "not entirely impartial", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "less than objective" or "subjective"?

"Less than objective" implies a deviation from complete impartiality, whereas "subjective" simply indicates that something is based on personal feelings or opinions. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of neutrality.

When is it appropriate to use the term "less than objective"?

It is appropriate when describing situations where complete impartiality is expected or desired, but there is a possibility of personal feelings or biases influencing the outcome. For example, when reviewing art or literature, the critic's opinion may be "less than objective".