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
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
Officially, Buc-ee's is suing IP Holdings for trademark infringement and unfair competition.
—
Rhyma Castillo, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Feb. 2026
The lawmakers contend the state’s loose regulation of insurer secrecy is unfair to homeowners who are required to purchase insurance to obtain mortgage loans.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Lawmakers considering several bills that could fundamentally change the nature of the landlord-tenant relationship heard from a number of tenants on Tuesday who described losing their homes, unfair rent increases and poor living conditions.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
The Writers Guild of America West is threatening to cancel its glitzy annual awards show as its own staff continues to strike, alleging that management has committed unfair labor practices amid first contract negotiations.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfair
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rhyma Castillo, San Antonio Express-News, 26 Feb. 2026
The lawmakers contend the state’s loose regulation of insurer secrecy is unfair to homeowners who are required to purchase insurance to obtain mortgage loans.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
Lawmakers considering several bills that could fundamentally change the nature of the landlord-tenant relationship heard from a number of tenants on Tuesday who described losing their homes, unfair rent increases and poor living conditions.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
The Writers Guild of America West is threatening to cancel its glitzy annual awards show as its own staff continues to strike, alleging that management has committed unfair labor practices amid first contract negotiations.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unfair
Cite this Entry
“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfair. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unfair
adjective
un·fair
ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r 
ˈən-,
-ˈfe(ə)r
2
: not fair in doing business
unfair to workers
unfairly
adverb
unfairness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
