unfair
Americanadjective
-
not fair; not conforming to approved standards, as of justice, honesty, or ethics.
an unfair law;
an unfair wage policy.
-
disproportionate; undue; beyond what is proper or fitting.
an unfair share.
adjective
-
characterized by inequality or injustice
-
dishonest or unethical
Other Word Forms
- unfairly adverb
- unfairness noun
Etymology
Origin of unfair
First recorded before 900; 1705–15 unfair for def. 1; Middle English: “uncomely, ugly”; Old English unfæger; cognate with Old Norse ūfagr; un- 1 + fair 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has previously defended himself from the nepo kid label by saying it was "an unfair misinterpretation" and his father "returned every rupee earned from public service to the community".
From BBC
"I think it will be unfair on some people," said the 46-year-old security guard, adding that he thought it could be divisive.
From BBC
They will target unfair trade practices such as excess capacity, forced labor, discrimination versus digital tech companies, and subsidies for rice and seafood.
From Barron's
Another authority, Section 301 of the Trade Act, allows Washington to address unfair foreign trade practices.
From Barron's
WGA previously said it “respects the staff union’s right to strike, and will continue to bargain in good faith,” but said the union’s “allegations of unfair labor practices are without merit.”
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
