fairness

noun

fair·​ness ˈfer-nəs 

: the quality or state of being fair

especially : fair or impartial treatment : lack of favoritism toward one side or another

This is the real Ponzi scheme that does injury to the American promise of fairness …

—Jesse Jackson

The rules reflect the principles of procedural due process and fundamental fairness prescribed by the Constitution …

—James O. Freedman

… partisan gerrymandering has got so out of hand that it was up to the courts to restore a measure of fairness.

—Jeffrey Toobin

We are living in the harsh world invented by a handful of corporate raiders whose values are completely foreign to the fairness and moderation that had so long served as the proper foundation of American success and the American dream.

—Doris Haddock

He did poorly, but in (all) fairness [=to be fair to him], he was tired.

Synonyms

• aesthetics
• esthetics
• attractiveness
• beauteousness
• beautifulness
• beauty
• comeliness
• cuteness
• gorgeousness
• handsomeness
• looks
• loveliness
• prettiness
• sightliness

Examples of fairness in a Sentence

a city of incomparable fairness, Venice has enchanted travelers for centuries

fairness was certainly uppermost in the elderly woman's mind as she made arrangements for dividing the family heirlooms among her many grandchildren

Recent Examples on the Web

Election officials will now have to decide on each voter's eligibility during hearings that could extend well past . fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair. —Tom Norton, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

In fairness, though, the left may have an inherently tougher job. —Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024

This helps ensure that any background dossiers used in employment decisions are accurate, reflecting the FCRA’s emphasis on fairness. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

She is known for fairness, kindness and respect to all involved. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fairness

• fairness doctrine