unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer How to pronounce unfair (audio)
1
: marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust
2
: not equitable in business dealings
unfairness noun

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.
For starters, this was always going to be the unfair reality of this first-round matchup; either Dallas or Colorado was going home early because the NHL’s ridiculous playoff format pitted two of the league’s top five most talented rosters right out of the gates. Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The union filed some 90 unfair labor practice complaints against Starbucks with the National Labor Relations Board and launched a five-day strike leading up to Christmas Day in major cities, including several stores in Los Angeles. Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 However, a new study claims this popular AI ranking platform is rife with unfair practices, favoring large companies that just so happen to rank near the top of the index. ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025 Although the implementation of the technology can lead to a more inclusive financial ecosystem, potential bias can lead us in the opposite direction, resulting in the unfair treatment of certain consumer groups. Sandy Anderson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfair was in 1700

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Cite this Entry

“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfair. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unfair

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