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

This bifurcated software environment is unfair not only to patients but also to medical device manufacturers, who are subject to regulations and review timelines that prevent them from innovating at the same pace and scale. — Dana P. Goldman, STAT, 4 Aug. 2026

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has taken unfair flak from nativist elements of the MAGA base. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 4 Aug. 2026

Owners argue high payrolls, exemplified by the Dodgers' record spending and success, create an unfair fight. — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

The states argue Section 301 permits trade action only after an investigation of a specific country's unfair practices and requires any resulting tariffs to be tailored toward ending that conduct. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 Aug. 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