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

Ensuring fairness not only aligns with ethical standards, but also builds trust with stakeholders and supports long-term, inclusive innovation. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

While short-term financial effects may be limited, such movements seek to encourage broader discussions on economic fairness and corporate accountability. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

And, even in the case of the few bad actors, fairness demands that the law be more strictly enforced, rather than forcing all restaurants to increase their wage bills. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

Díaz was given the green light by third base coach Tim Leiper, who, in fairness, has made many good moves, too. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 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