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 Word Forms

• 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

These include sick pay, protection from unfair dismissal and parental leave, as well as the right to request flexible working.

From BBC

They described demands for repayments as "wrong" and "unfair".

From BBC

The Gambling Commission said on Monday that the investigation focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets - a criminal offence.

From BBC

Ms Hoskins resigned from her job on 11 January 2024, but she is taking the hotel to tribunal claiming constructive unfair dismissal.

From BBC

We often remember movies, years and decades later, for reasons just and unfair.

From Salon

Related Words

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