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

Over the last year, however, transgender athletes have been targeted by critics who say their participation in women’s sports is unfair and a potential safety risk. —Eric Olson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025

Donovan, the team president, suggests that some of the assessments were unfair but says that the Chiefs’ leadership took the report card seriously and has taken action to remedy players’ concerns. —Justin Birnbaum, Forbes, 7 Feb. 2025

Adding the Cardinals star to a Dodgers roster that's already the clear top unit in the league would be borderline unfair. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Critics argue that data does not show transgender athletes have any advantage and that this pushback is unfair to the transgender community. —Kayla Gaskins, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025

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