unfair

adjective

un·​fair ˌən-ˈfer How to pronounce unfair (audio)
1
: marked by injustice, partiality, or deception : unjust
2
: not equitable in business dealings
unfairness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My heart is heavy…life can be unfair sometimes. Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Her parents were angry, and her sister accused her of being unfair. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025 Trump has argued his sweeping tariffs on imports across the world are in response to unfair trade practices against the United States. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 24 Oct. 2025 In an investigation that concluded in January, Washington determined that China has been engaging in unfair practices to promote its shipbuilders. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unfair

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfair was in 1700

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Cite this Entry

“Unfair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfair. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

unfair

adjective
un·​fair ˌən-ˈfa(ə)r How to pronounce unfair (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on unfair

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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