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

The complaints allow the public to report unfair or deceptive business practices, according to the agency’s website, and can prompt investigations from the office. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 3 Nov. 2025

Some of his artists have challenged their contracts as unfair, sparking broader debates about industry practices. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025

Both also often lead to litigation in federal court and the filing of unfair labor practices charges with the NLRB. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025

At the heart of the unrest is a long-standing exemption that allows ultra-Orthodox men who study full-time in religious seminaries to avoid military service — a policy that many Israelis view as deeply unfair. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025

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