unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer 

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

• foul
• illegal
• nasty

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

The White House said Canada’s policies gave foreign competitors an unfair advantage. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Today, that’s done with the gasoline tax, and already some complain that electric cars (which all robotaxis are) avoid this fee, and that’s unfair. — Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

His case prompted a withering rebuke from the California Supreme Court, which said Kaiser’s system of arbitrating legal disputes was subject to long delays and unfair to its members. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Scott Peterson's attorney appeals Scott's automatic appeal was submitted to the California Supreme Court on July 5, accompanied by a 423-page brief document from Scott's attorney, contesting the trial had been unfair. — Erin Jensen, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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