unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer How to pronounce unfair (audio)
1
: marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust
2
: not equitable in business dealings
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
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.
State legislators and attorneys general should examine whether certain practices violate existing rules against unfair or deceptive trade practices. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Even if most of these conditions are met, one or two unfair elements can strongly shape overall perceptions of fairness. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 Creativity is the last unfair advantage left. Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 And her courage in having participated in an unfair contest and in exposing Maduro’s fraud by publishing the true vote tallies on the internet, surely made Machado stand out to the Nobel committee. David Smilde, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfair was in 1700

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Cite this Entry

“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfair. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfair

adjective
un·​fair ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r How to pronounce unfair (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on unfair

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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