unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer 

1

a

: marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust

an unfair trial

taking unfair advantage

You're being a little unfair to single them out.

b

: not representative

cited an unfair example

c

: disproportionate

got an unfair share

2

: not equitable in business dealings

unfair competition

unfair labor practices

unfairness noun

Synonyms of unfair

• foul
• illegal
• nasty

Examples of unfair in a Sentence

It's unfair for them to be allowed to leave early if we can't.

It seems unfair to single her out for criticism.

The company has been accused of unfair labor practices.

Recent Examples on the Web

This matters because these institutions will increasingly determine the continent’s economic development, and because a reliance on these lenders only gives credence to the idea that an unfair risk premium is placed on those trying to raise capital for projects in Africa. —Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026

Two animal rights groups had sued C5 Rodeo and the Padres, alleging unfair business practices. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026

In what initially looked like an extremely unfair matchup, Missouri’s Zion Young put Bell on his butt as the star edge rusher ran through the Miami tackle during 1-on-1s. —Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026

Public claims suggesting otherwise are inaccurate, and allegations of unfair labor practices are without merit. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for unfair

• abwehr
• affair
• affaire
• airfare
• altair
• armchair
• aware
• beware
• bugbear
• carfare
• childcare
• compare

Kids Definition

unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r 

ˈən-, 

-ˈfe(ə)r

1

: not fair, honest, or just : unjust, dishonest

an unfair trial

2

: not fair in doing business

unfair to workers

unfairly adverb

unfairness noun