unfair
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for unfair, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not fair or just; treating people unequally or wrongly.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use unfair
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English unfæger ("ugly"), from un- plus fair; the modern sense of "not just" developed later, replacing the original meaning of "unattractive."
Full origin of unfair →Frequently asked questions
What does “unfair” mean?
The word “unfair” means not fair or just; treating people unequally or wrongly. In plain terms, not fair — treating someone badly or wrongly compared to others.
How do you pronounce “unfair”?
“Unfair” is pronounced uhn-FEH-uh (/ʌnˈfɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “unfair” in a sentence?
Here is “unfair” used in a sentence: “It's unfair to blame the whole team for one person's mistake.”
What part of speech is “unfair”?
“Unfair” is an adjective.
Where does the word “unfair” come from?
The word “unfair” comes from Old English. From Old English unfæger ("ugly"), from un- plus fair; the modern sense of "not just" developed later, replacing the original meaning of "unattractive.".
Is “unfair” a common word?
“Unfair” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "unfair" and "unjust"?
Both describe wrongful or unequal treatment, but "unfair" is broader and more everyday, applying to anything from a game to a decision, while "unjust" is stronger and often used for serious breaches of justice, morality, or law. An unjust ruling is a graver charge than an unfair one.
What is the difference between "unfair" and "biased"?
"Unfair" describes any treatment that is not just or equal, while "biased" specifically means unfairly favouring one side because of a preconceived preference. Bias is one common cause of unfair treatment, but treatment can be unfair for other reasons too.
What is the opposite of "unfair"?
The opposite of "unfair" is "fair," meaning just, even-handed, and free from favouritism or wrongdoing. Related opposites include "equitable" and "impartial."
What are common collocations with "unfair"?
Common phrases include "unfair advantage," "unfair treatment," and "unfair dismissal," along with the informal "that's not fair." These pairings appear frequently in workplace, legal, and everyday contexts.