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

• beauty
• beautifulness
• attractiveness
• aesthetics

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

Key aspects of this work include ensuring fairness and equality, maintaining confidentiality and promoting diversity and inclusion. —Dr. Nara Ringrose, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

My concern isn’t rooted in envy, but in a fundamental question of economic fairness and resource allocation. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025

This approach to data governance also raises serious concerns about fairness. —Mohammad Hosseini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

Over the past decade, Silicon Valley and other industries used DEI programs to root out bias in hiring, promote fairness in the workplace and advance the careers of women and people of color — demographics that have historically been overlooked in the workplace. —Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 1 Aug. 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