unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer 

1

: marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust

2

: not equitable in business dealings

unfairness noun

Synonyms

• dirty
• foul
• illegal
• nasty
• unsportsmanlike

Examples of unfair in a Sentence

It's unfair for them to be allowed to leave early if we can't.

It seems unfair to single her out for criticism.

The company has been accused of unfair labor practices.

Recent Examples on the Web

The suit involves five former participants in MrBeast's reality competition show and alleges multiple labor law violations, false advertising and unfair business practices. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024

The lawsuit alleges 34 causes of action, including copyright infringement, false advertising and violations of the Florida unfair trade practices law. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024

And the reason is simple: People feel the fees are unfair, and often charged after a travel company quotes them a rate. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

The trade war was launched shortly after Special Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer produced a report in March of 2018 that found China was conducting unfair trade practices. —Nick Sargen, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r 

ˈən-,

-ˈfe(ə)r

1

: not fair, honest, or just : unjust, dishonest

an unfair trial

2

: not fair in doing business

unfair to workers

unfairly adverb

unfairness noun