Synonyms of unfair

unfair

adjective

ˌən-ˈfer 

as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport

a team that is notorious throughout the league for its record of unfair play

Synonyms & Similar Words

• foul
• illegal
• nasty
• dirty
• unsportsmanlike
• shameful
• low
• unjust
• dishonorable
• below the belt
• shabby
• unethical
• immoral
• mean
• ignoble
• unscrupulous
• unprincipled
• ungentlemanly
• unrighteous
• rotten
• unchivalrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fair
• legal
• clean
• just
• moral
• ethical
• sportsmanlike
• sportsmanly
• righteous
• scrupulous
• principled
• honorable
• law-abiding
• unimpeachable
• irreproachable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfair

The labor agency also issued a complaint last week in the unfair bargaining practice case, meaning PERB officials believe allegations are significant enough to hear it. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

But also how people can feel powerless in the face of a world that feels more and more unequal, more unfair. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Some feel the comparison between London and Paris, ongoing since Art Basel launched in the City of Light, is unfair given that Art Basel’s Paris edition has begun to dominate all of the fairs, even its own flagship. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

The factors most closely tied to burnout included unfair treatment, crushing workloads, unclear expectations, poor communication and support from managers, and unreasonable deadlines. — Christos Makridis, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2026