unfair

1 of 2

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

unfairness

2 of 2

noun

un·​fairness

"+

: the quality or state of being unfair:

a

: injustice

recognized the unfairness of the decision

b

: improper alignment or fit

noticed the unfairness of the rivet holes

Synonyms of unfair

Adjective

• foul
• illegal
• nasty

Examples of unfair in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Some also called for a reform of the university admissions system, seen by many as complex and unfair. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026

Trump has imposed new tariffs on Brazilian goods this year, including a 25% levy on some products over what the US described as unfair trade practices. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026

His attorney, Ben Kuehne, said the outcome is unfair to voters. — Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Although the jury concluded that Meta had over 43 million violations of the state's unfair practices act, with each transgression carrying a civil penalty as high as $5,000, a New Mexico judge was responsible for determining the ultimate fine. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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