Synonyms of unfair

unfair

adjective

ˌən-ˈfer 

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

• foul
• illegal
• nasty
• dirty
• unsportsmanlike
• shameful
• low
• unjust
• dishonorable
• below the belt
• shabby
• unethical
• immoral
• mean
• ignoble
• unscrupulous
• unprincipled
• ungentlemanly
• unrighteous
• rotten
• unchivalrous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fair
• legal
• clean
• just
• moral
• ethical
• sportsmanlike
• sportsmanly
• righteous
• scrupulous
• principled
• honorable
• law-abiding
• unimpeachable
• irreproachable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfair

The agency said undisclosed collection or use of personal information to personalize prices could violate the FTC Act’s prohibition on unfair or deceptive practices. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026

English land agent Charles Cunningham Boycott (1832–1897), who was responsible for enforcing unfair policies upon Irish tenants under threat of eviction. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

Communities were sliced apart and stitched to places with little in common, all to protect politicians and give one party an unfair advantage. — Larry Hogan, Baltimore Sun, 29 Oct. 2026

If either side filed an unfair labor practice charge against the other during bargaining, it would be handled by the National Labor Relations Board, a body which can be friendlier to management during Republican administrations. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2026