fairness

noun

fair·​ness ˈfer-nəs 

: the quality or state of being fair

especially : fair or impartial treatment : lack of favoritism toward one side or another

This is the real Ponzi scheme that does injury to the American promise of fairness …

—Jesse Jackson

The rules reflect the principles of procedural due process and fundamental fairness prescribed by the Constitution …

—James O. Freedman

… partisan gerrymandering has got so out of hand that it was up to the courts to restore a measure of fairness.

—Jeffrey Toobin

We are living in the harsh world invented by a handful of corporate raiders whose values are completely foreign to the fairness and moderation that had so long served as the proper foundation of American success and the American dream.

—Doris Haddock

He did poorly, but in (all) fairness [=to be fair to him], he was tired.

Synonyms of fairness

• beauty
• beautifulness
• attractiveness
• aesthetics
• elegance

Examples of fairness in a Sentence

a city of incomparable fairness, Venice has enchanted travelers for centuries

fairness was certainly uppermost in the elderly woman's mind as she made arrangements for dividing the family heirlooms among her many grandchildren

Recent Examples on the Web

In fairness, Jacob deGrom did invoke his no-trade clause, blocking a move to Atlanta. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Jacob Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department, said the department would not comment on the allegations in the lawsuit to ensure fairness to both sides. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

Name the cost, ask the real question, and let fairness be specific, not implied. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026

Truth Social has said the information will be released to the traders and the general public at the same time, so there really isn't an issue of fairness. — Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fairness

• fairness doctrine

Rhymes for fairness

• bareness
• squareness
• awareness
• unfairness
• unawareness