unfair

[ uhn-fair ]

adjective

1. not fair; not conforming to approved standards, as of justice, honesty, or ethics:

   an unfair law;

   an unfair wage policy.

2. disproportionate; undue; beyond what is proper or fitting:

   an unfair share.

unfair

/ ʌnˈfɛə /

adjective

1. characterized by inequality or injustice
2. dishonest or unethical

Derived Forms

• unˈfairly, adverb
• unˈfairness, noun

Other Words From

• un·fairly adverb
• un·fairness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfair¹

First recorded before 900; 1705–15 unfair fordef 1; Middle English: “uncomely, ugly”; Old English unfæger; cognate with Old Norse ūfagr; un- ¹ + fair ¹

Example Sentences

Tina Leslie, the founder of Freedom 4 Girls - a period poverty charity - said it was unfair to penalise girls for something they could not prevent.

From BBC

People opposed to trans athletes’ inclusion say its unfair, and potentially unsafe, for people born with male traits to compete against biological females.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's cruel, it's unfair, it's also incredibly stupid".

From BBC

But critics say such a two-tier policy is unfair on the majority of women who play cricket - in the amateur game.

From BBC

Some argue it is unfair as it represents double taxation; being taxed on money that has already been taxed.

From BBC

Related Words

• arbitrary
• biased
• cruel
• discriminatory
• dishonest
• illegal
• immoral
• improper
• inequitable
• inexcusable
• one-sided
• partisan
• shameful
• unethical
• unjust
• unjustifiable
• unlawful
• unreasonable
• unwarranted
• wrong