Synonyms of unfair

unfair 1 of 2

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

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

• injustice
• inequity
• unjustness
• foulness
• dirtiness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• justice
• equity
• fairness

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

• injustice
• wrong
• injury
• inequity
• insult
• unjustness
• disservice
• shaft
• raw deal
• indignity
• affront
• outrage
• offense
• slight
• grievance
• slur
• complaint
• beef
• put-down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fairness
• justice
• equity
• equitableness
• cricket

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unfair

Adjective

The agency has said deceptive or unfair data practices can violate existing consumer protection laws. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

But rhetoric turned sour by the weekend, with each side blaming the other for failing to reach an agreement and for unfair trade practices. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Noun

Seeking to address that perceived unfairness and force other policy changes, Trump in his second term imposed a series of tariffs on nearly every country, including Mexico and Canada. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 1 July 2026

The organization’s weekly Saturday rallies have also been a venue for families grieving loss through police violence, or for celebrities to speak out about unfairness in the entertainment industry. — Aaron Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026