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

Do creators really owe followers explanations about weight loss, or does that assumption create unfair pressures? —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2026

The government defended the tariffs as legitimate responses to national security concerns and unfair trade practices, arguing that Congress had clearly intended to give presidents latitude to act swiftly. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026

Now, this mayor is proposing raising property taxes, making the broken system more unfair and punishing to working class homeowners. —Arthur Russell, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026

Now, some lawmakers say the act itself is unfair. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

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