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

• aesthetics
• esthetics
• attractiveness
• beauteousness
• beautifulness
• beauty
• comeliness
• cuteness
• gorgeousness
• handsomeness
• looks
• loveliness
• prettiness
• sightliness

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

Questions of fairness aside, Pon does not advise changing your financial plans based on the idea that this bill is going to pass as is anytime soon. —Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 14 May 2025

Engage Gen Z in reshaping compensation structures to better reflect their values around fairness, purpose, and work-life balance. —Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025

Due process is fundamental to fairness as guaranteed under the Constitution to all persons, including non-citizens in the United States. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 13 May 2025

The system’s fairness hinges on the integrity of individual police officers. —Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 12 May 2025

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