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unfair Definition

un·fair (-fer′)

adjective

  1. not just or impartial; biased; inequitable
  2. dishonest, dishonorable, or unethical in business dealings

Etymology: ME < OE unfæger, unfair, ugly < un-, not + fæger, fair

unfair Related Forms
un·fair′ly adverb un·fair′·ness noun
unfair Synonyms

unfair

modif.

  1. Unjust

    inequitable, wrongful, wrong, unrightful, low, base, injurious, unethical, not cricket*, bad, wicked, culpable, blamable, blameworthy, foul, illegal, improper, unsporting, shameful, cruel, shameless, dishonorable, unreasonable, discreditable, grievous, vicious, vile, undue, unlawful, petty, mean, unwarrantable, inexcusable, unjustifiable, iniquitous, immoral, criminal, forbidden, irregular.

    Antonyms fair*, proper, sporting.

  2. Not in accord with approved trade practices

    unethical, criminal, proscribed, cheating, discriminatory, illegal, forbidden, tricky, evasive, shady, punishable, actionable, improper.

unfair Usage Examples

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • render: The EAT held that the tribunal was allowed to find that delays did not render the investigation unfair.

Modifying Another Word

  • grossly: Mr K Robinson: This is grossly unfair, Mr Speaker.
  • manifestly: Disparity of value exploitation involves exchanging labor or some other commodity in a transaction that is manifestly unfair.
  • automatically: Where a dismissal is automatically unfair, an employe may be entitled to be reinstated to their old job.
  • inherently: I soon began to realize that the whole business was inherently unfair.
  • potentially: We take the view this may be potentially unfair.
  • blatantly: To have Wales's first 'Prime Minister ' elected in such blatantly unfair circumstances is not an occasions for celebration.

Infinitive complement

  • penalize: It would be unfair to penalize a company that had not formed its plans at that stage or which changes its plans subsequently.
  • dismiss: Made it automatically unfair to dismiss workers taking part in industrial action.
  • criticize: It's easy but unfair to criticize, however, because many charity press officers are volunteers.
  • blame: It is grossly unfair to blame car users for this.
  • expect: I say it is unfair to expect anything less.

Modifies a noun

  • dismissal: He is meeting the £ 2,500 bill to former Manager Brian Hughes for unfair dismissal.
  • advantage: Gives you an unfair advantage that will show in the profits you make.
  • discrimination: Compensation for unfair discrimination: effect of social security benefits paid.
  • burden: Our first reaction This looks like a unfair burden on business.
  • competition: In fact, unfair competition is the goal of Clipper policy.
  • claim: The upper age limit on unfair dismissal claims will also be removed.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: This seemed unfair to people who had declined the scheme or were ineligible.
  • deem: Under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 a contract deemed unfair may be completely void and unenforceable against a consumer.