fairness
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for fairness, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The quality of being just, equitable, and free from bias.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use fairness
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sense of fairness
in fairness
fairness and equity
Etymology
From Old English fægernes, "beauty, pleasantness," built from "fair" plus the suffix "-ness."
Full origin of fairness →Frequently asked questions
What does “fairness” mean?
The word “fairness” means the quality of being just, equitable, and free from bias. In plain terms, treating people justly and equally, without favoritism.
How do you pronounce “fairness”?
“Fairness” is pronounced FEH-uh-nuhs (/ˈfɛɚ.nəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “fairness” in a sentence?
Here is “fairness” used in a sentence: “The referee was praised for his fairness.”
What part of speech is “fairness”?
“Fairness” is a noun.
Where does the word “fairness” come from?
The word “fairness” comes from Old English. From Old English fægernes, "beauty, pleasantness," built from "fair" plus the suffix "-ness.".
Is “fairness” a common word?
“Fairness” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between fairness and equality?
Fairness refers to the quality of being just, equitable, and free from bias, which can sometimes mean treating people differently based on their circumstances to achieve a just outcome. Equality more strictly means treating everyone the same, regardless of individual circumstances.
What does fairness mean in a legal or workplace context?
In legal and workplace contexts, fairness typically refers to processes and decisions being free from bias, favoritism, or discrimination, ensuring all parties are treated justly. This often involves consistent application of rules and equal opportunity for all involved.
Is fairness a subjective concept?
Fairness can be somewhat subjective since people may disagree about what counts as just or equitable in a given situation, even while agreeing on the general principle of being free from bias. Despite this, fairness is widely treated as a core standard in ethics, law, and social relationships.
