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

Adam was almost supernatural in his ability to craft the story and let the humor come out without ever being mean or unfair. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026

They must be linked to explicit unfair trading practices. —Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The yellow lights go from one second to 10 seconds, so that’s unfair. —Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026

The law also features enforcement mechanisms, which include FTC cease-and-desist orders, findings of unfair and deceptive trade practices and the capacity of states’ attorneys general to bring SPARTA cases. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 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