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Definition of unfair

unfair

/ʌnˈfɛər/
un · fair
Adverb:unfairly
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unfair Lexical Profile

unfair Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not based on or behaving according to the principles of equality and justice; marked by partiality, favoritism, or deception.

Example

"The workers protested against the company's unfair wage policies and poor working conditions."

2

Contrary to the rules, ethics, or standards of a sport, game, or business competition.

Example

"The referee penalized the player for taking an unfair advantage during the final minutes of the match."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for unfair

• Nearby Words

unfading
unfailing
unfailingly
unfair
unfairly
unfairness
unfaithful

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'unfæger', originally meaning 'ugly' or 'unlovely'; the modern sense of 'unjust' or 'inequitable' developed in the early 18th century following the semantic shift of 'fair'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unfair. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unfair
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