unfair

adjective

ˌən-ˈfer How to pronounce unfair (audio)
Definition of unfairnext
as in foul
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport a team that is notorious throughout the league for its record of unfair play

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unfair The idea that Nintendo only makes games for little children is unfair. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 The regulated legal marijuana industry, which sees hemp THC as unfair competition, also supports the ban. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 The headlines that suggested links between a top-flight footballer and a 10th-tier non-League team were a little unfair. — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 In October 2025, Jean-Louis filed a $500,000 lawsuit against Monét alleging breach of contract and unfair competition. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfair
  1. foul
  2. nasty
Adjective
  • But the four-time league MVP is not apologizing for her actions that led to the foul being called.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The bodies were discovered days later after a neighbor noticed a foul odor coming from the home.
    — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of foul
Adjective
  • The New York Yankees were still reeling from a nasty gut punch — a 1-0 loss to the rival Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the best-of-five American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on Saturday night.
    — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Frank Senior was a barber who dreamed of being a singer, a nasty cur who beat his two sons and verbally whittled them down to a nub.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of nasty

Browse Nearby Words

unfailingly
unfair
unfairly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfair. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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