unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer 

1

: marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust

2

: not equitable in business dealings

unfairness noun

Synonyms

• dirty
• foul
• illegal
• nasty
• unsportsmanlike

Examples of unfair in a Sentence

It's unfair for them to be allowed to leave early if we can't.

It seems unfair to single her out for criticism.

The company has been accused of unfair labor practices.

Recent Examples on the Web

That was going to be unfair to every single girl on this team. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2025

Failing to meet the most stringent applicable requirements could expose employers to legal risks, including claims of unfair hiring practices. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

Investigators were pursuing about 3,200 active complaints of racial discrimination, including unfair discipline and racial harassment. —Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 21 Feb. 2025

Early reviews of All-Star format — ‘This is so unfair to Victor Wembanyama’ (Photo: G Fiume / Getty Images) Comments P Paige B. · 1h 38m ago Aw man. —Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unfair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r 

ˈən-,

-ˈfe(ə)r

1

: not fair, honest, or just : unjust, dishonest

an unfair trial

2

: not fair in doing business

unfair to workers

unfairly adverb

unfairness noun