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

By improving fairness, reducing bias, and creating better candidate experiences, companies can make these tools more effective and inclusive. —Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Most candidates who engage are approved, and even those who are not often respect the seriousness and fairness of the review. —Muhammad U. Faridi, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025

Federal agents arrested people at Charlotte’s immigration court, raising concerns about basic fairness in the legal system, the Observer reported in June. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2025

Policymakers must act now to ensure fairness, education, and opportunity for the next generation of athletes. —Aaron S. Marks, Hartford Courant, 15 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