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, the Jayhawks’ offense and overall explosiveness may have been hindered by the Big 12’s glass court, with players and coaches from many teams complaining about the footing throughout the event. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026

Bakes said that, in addition to helping children understand that everyone is different, the message shared is about fostering relationships, treating others with fairness and that people can learn and change too. —Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2026

When fairness is questioned, the credibility of the entire system is at state. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026

Where fairness is required, especially when individuals are vulnerable, consequences are high and public discourse is polarized. —Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 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