unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer How to pronounce unfair (audio)
Synonyms of unfairnext
1
a
: marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust
an unfair trial
taking unfair advantage
You're being a little unfair to single them out.
b
: not representative
cited an unfair example
c
: disproportionate
got an unfair share
2
: not equitable in business dealings
unfair competition
unfair labor practices
unfairness noun

Synonyms of unfair

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Earlier this year, two men, Christopher Sage and Terry Thompson, sued DraftKings, FanDuel and other companies for negligence, design defect, failure to warn, unfair trade practices and related claims. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026 In recent days, the United States proposed new terms that were uneconomic, unfair and undermine the net benefits for Canada, and called into question the reliability of any deal. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 And many of the 1970s nationalization of most major oil companies holdings in oil exporting nations were partly due to the sense that the original concession agreements were unfair. — Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 These girls make mistakes and learn lessons while living in unfair, unequal and unjust societies in need of change. — Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfair was in 1699

Rhymes for unfair

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Browse Nearby Words

unfainting
unfair
unfair list
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Cite this Entry

“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfair. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unfair

adjective
un·​fair ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r How to pronounce unfair (audio)
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
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