unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer How to pronounce unfair (audio)
Synonyms of unfairnext
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

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.
The Labor Department has also gutted the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, an agency that has audited the pay practices of major companies and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for women and minorities who have suffered from unfair policies. Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026 The lawsuit alleges that THCa is functionally identical to marijuana, and that the stores have an unfair competitive advantage by operating outside of the state’s regulatory framework. Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 That jury found that the company violated New Mexico's unfair practices act would have to pay $375 million in civil damages. Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2026 This is unfair to tarantulas, who are not known for their racial profiling. Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfair was in 1699

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Cite this Entry

“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfair. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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

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