unfair 1 of 2

Definition of unfairnext

unfairness

2 of 2

noun

1
as in injustice
the state of being unfair or unjust the transparent unfairness of the referee's decision made her furious

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in wrong
unfair or inadequate treatment of someone or something or an instance of this it would be no unfairness to the article's second author to characterize his contributions as minimal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Adjective
The tariffs unveiled on Tuesday hinge on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which gives the government the power to investigate alleged unfair trade practices and impose tariffs and other restrictions. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 3 June 2026 But without Destiny 2 and any other greenlit projects, the pressure is on Marathon to not just hit expectations, but exceed them, even if that is an unfair position to put a game in that was never going to appeal to a mass audience. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
This overall unfairness and pain must be confronted. Robert Hormats, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026 But the pandemic also exposed the grotesque unfairness of our economy and society in deeply personal ways, cutting across the red-blue divide. George Packer, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfair
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unfair
Adjective
  • Cenac lacks efficiency and foul discipline at times — a weakness that was on display in the NCAA Tournament — but also has shown the potential to dominate the paint both as a defender and a scorer.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • Smith then lined the two-run homer just inside the foul pole in left field.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • While injustice certainly still exists in the world, no one can still pretend that slavery can be reconciled with individual human rights.
    Jeremy D. Popkin, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
  • This illustrated guide teaches readers about systemic racism, along with tools to fight injustice and implement antiracism in their everyday lives.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • So that's an exceptionalism that in quite severe terms suggests sacrifice to right wrongs.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 June 2026
  • From launching a secret OnlyFans account and becoming the teary bride at a gory wedding-gone-wrong to her eerie ending in that big, lonely, ugly mansion, Sweeney's character centered a large portion of the show's finale.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.
    James Bruggers, The Courier-Journal, 5 July 2017
  • Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.
    Lisa Beebe, Los Angeles Magazine, 5 July 2017
Adjective
  • Flu season may be mostly behind us, but a nasty, highly contagious stomach bug is rising.
    NBC news, NBC news, 29 May 2026
  • Rhaenyra is suddenly dealing with internal criticism, possible rebellions, subjects spray-painting nasty stuff on the walls and self-doubt.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unfair. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unfair

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster