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

The lawsuit seeks a court declaration recognizing Taylor’s copyright ownership, a share of the profits generated by the allegedly infringing songs, and damages for alleged fraud, false imprisonment, and unfair business practices. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2026

The board plans a day-long impasse hearing after abruptly postponing that meeting last month for fear the union would file an unfair labor practices lawsuit. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Nov. 2026

The former officials say the law fell out of use as America developed international trade agreements and more sophisticated ways of challenging unfair foreign practices. — Rich Percival, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026

In 1934, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia’s administration began selling discounted milk to low-income families, but the initiative drew complaints from grocers about unfair competition. — Nevin Cohen, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 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