: 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
Jesse Jackson The rules reflect the principles of procedural due process and fundamental fairness prescribed by the Constitution … —James O. Freedman
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
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
Doris Haddock He did poorly, but in (all) fairness [=to be fair to him], he was tired.
Synonyms
Examples of fairness in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Gerrymandering Project at Princeton gives the Wisconsin redistricting an F grade for partisan fairness, finding Republicans have a significant advantage, as do incumbents.
—Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 2023
At issue in an expanding worker strike against major U.S.-based automakers are two visions of the future: one forward-looking that emphasizes innovation, one backward-looking that emphasizes fairness.
—Laurent Belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Sep. 2023
The team members range from astrophysicists to sociologists, and their approach combines fairness evaluations, tool-building, education, and outreach.
—Chris Hyams, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2023
Enough talk about fairness, safety, and effectiveness.
—Casey Ross, STAT, 20 Sep. 2023
Simple rule: When fairness and the truth are in conflict, journalism has to choose the truth.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023
Andrew Miltenberg, a lawyer who usually represents the accused, said that cross-examination during Title IX hearings is necessary for fairness, because the proceedings are already tilted against the accused.
—Vimal Patel, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023
The question is not necessarily what judges have said in other court proceedings but their fairness toward a specific defendant in a specific case, legal analysts said.
—Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2023
As the fight continues to protect fairness in girls' sports, the White House has refused to answer whether females should have to compete against transgender athletes.
—Elizabeth Heckman, Fox News, 8 Sep. 2023
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Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 2023
At issue in an expanding worker strike against major U.S.-based automakers are two visions of the future: one forward-looking that emphasizes innovation, one backward-looking that emphasizes fairness.
—Laurent Belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Sep. 2023
The team members range from astrophysicists to sociologists, and their approach combines fairness evaluations, tool-building, education, and outreach.
—Chris Hyams, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2023
Enough talk about fairness, safety, and effectiveness.
—Casey Ross, STAT, 20 Sep. 2023
Simple rule: When fairness and the truth are in conflict, journalism has to choose the truth.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023
Andrew Miltenberg, a lawyer who usually represents the accused, said that cross-examination during Title IX hearings is necessary for fairness, because the proceedings are already tilted against the accused.
—Vimal Patel, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023
The question is not necessarily what judges have said in other court proceedings but their fairness toward a specific defendant in a specific case, legal analysts said.
—Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2023
As the fight continues to protect fairness in girls' sports, the White House has refused to answer whether females should have to compete against transgender athletes.
—Elizabeth Heckman, Fox News, 8 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fairness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of fairness was
before the 12th century
Phrases Containing fairness
Dictionary Entries Near fairness
Cite this Entry
“Fairness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairness. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on fairness
Nglish: Translation of fairness for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fairness for Arabic Speakers
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