unfairly

adverb

un·​fair·​ly ˌən-ˈfer-lē How to pronounce unfairly (audio)
Synonyms of unfairlynext
: in an unfair manner

Examples of unfairly in a Sentence

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.
Goalkeeper Barbosa was viewed in Brazil as the main culprit and, sadly and unfairly, suffered abuse for it for the rest of his life. Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026 That is just one example of many Christian and conservative athletes have been unfairly punished because of their religious and political beliefs because Major League Baseball and its teams have decided what political and religious beliefs are acceptable. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 Fairly or unfairly, the Magic have dealt with significant injuries in consecutive seasons, and those circumstances didn’t save Mosley’s job. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2026 The center reported in 2023 that more Americans now believe the death penalty is administered unfairly than fairly, a first. CBS News, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfairly

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfairly was in 1713

Cite this Entry

“Unfairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfairly. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unfairly

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster