unfair

1 of 2

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

unfairness

2 of 2

noun

un·​fairness
"+
: the quality or state of being unfair:
a
: injustice
recognized the unfairness of the decision
b
: improper alignment or fit
noticed the unfairness of the rivet holes

Synonyms of unfair

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Adjective

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Examples of unfair in a Sentence

Adjective 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
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Adjective
Kids need to learn that trying hard doesn't guarantee winning, that someone else may be better and that unfair things sometimes happen. — Jonathan Alpert Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 International rights groups have repeatedly criticized the detention and, in some cases, execution of people after unfair trials. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 Murmurs about the power of politicians and unfair advantages of the rich were heard as participants warmed up to each other. — Lina Abascal, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Any eligibility restriction might seem unfair when applied to individual athletes. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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 20 Oct. 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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