unfair

adjective

un·fair | \ˌən-ˈfer

\

Definition of unfair

1 : marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust

2 : not equitable in business dealings

Other Words from unfair Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about unfair

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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

The suit also seeks damages for Markforged’s alleged misappropriation of trade secrets, and for unfair trade practices. — Hiawatha Bray, BostonGlobe.com, "3D printing companies clash in federal court," 13 July 2018 Last summer, for example, a Detroit federal judge approved a $6.5 million national settlement of a class-action lawsuit brought against the Deja Vu chain of strip clubs, alleging unfair labor practices over this issue. — Robert Channick, chicagotribune.com, "Exotic dancer sues Admiral Theatre for denying her employee wages and benefits," 13 July 2018 Trump accuses China of unfair trade practices, such as subsidizing certain industries and ripping off American intellectual property. — Nathan Bomey, USA TODAY, "Taxing oxygen? It could happen. President Trump threatens wide-ranging tariffs on China," 11 July 2018 The union is awaiting a ruling from the Federal Labor Relations Authority onits complaint of unfair labor practices. — Lisa Rein, Anchorage Daily News, "New curbs on federal unions begin to take effect," 9 July 2018 To be fair, the administration is trying to level the playing field for American businesses that face unfair trade practices. — Paul Gores, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tariff fights bring what most companies try to avoid: Uncertainty," 27 June 2018 Past spats over dumping and other unfair trade practices led to punitive duties on some goods, as allowed under WTO rules. — The Economist, "Sino-American interdependence has been a force for geopolitical stability," 23 June 2018 The Oxfam report said the current system has brought consumers low prices, convenience and selection, but that too often those low prices stem from unfair trade practices. — Lorraine Mirabella, baltimoresun.com, "Supermarket giants play role in mistreatment of global food workers, report says," 20 June 2018 The state attorney general Monday asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit by three Harris County hearing officers who are fighting sanctions by Texas’ judicial ethics commission earlier this year over unfair bail practices. — Gabrielle Banks, Houston Chronicle, "Texas Attorney General wants Harris County magistrates’ lawsuit over bail practices dismissed," 18 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unfair.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near unfair

unfair method of competition

Statistics for unfair

Last Updated

31 Aug 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for unfair

The first known use of unfair was in 1700

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More Definitions for unfair

unfair

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of unfair

: treating people in a way that favors some over others : not fair, honest, or just

See the full definition for unfair in the English Language Learners Dictionary

unfair

adjective

un·fair | \ˌən-ˈfer

\

Kids Definition of unfair

: not fair, honest, or just an unfair trial

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