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

Other Word Forms

• unfairly adverb
• unfairness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfair¹

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

He concluded the owner of the accountancy firm wanted to dismiss Ms Lanuszka before she had accrued two years' service, the time at which workers can claim unfair dismissal under UK law.

From BBC

It comes after Musk was awarded $29bn in shares last month after his original $50bn award was struck down by a US court for being "unfair to shareholders".

From BBC

The plaintiffs are alleging Civil Rights Act violations, unfair business practices, financial elder abuse as well as dependent adult abuse, labor code violations, wrongful termination, negligence and breach of contract.

From Los Angeles Times

But opposition parties say there is unfair distribution of oil earnings to groups connected to the PPP, accusations the ruling party denies.

From BBC

She called for an expansion of the scheme to the rest of the UK, saying it was unfair patients did not have access to it everywhere.

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