noun
Common
fairness
FEH-uh-nuhs
Fairness (noun) means the quality of being just, equitable, and free from bias. Example: “The referee was praised for his fairness.”
noun
1
The quality of being just, equitable, and free from bias.
"The referee was praised for his fairness."
"Fairness in hiring decisions is a legal requirement."
"The teacher handed out the tasks with complete fairness."
How to use fairness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreating people justly and equally, without favoritism.
Common pairings
sense of fairness
in fairness
fairness and equity
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Word forms
- Plural
- fairnesses
Fill the gap
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The referee was praised for his _____.
Etymology
From Old English fægernes, "beauty, pleasantness," built from "fair" plus the suffix "-ness."
Synonyms
View more →
justice
equity
impartiality
evenhandedness
loveliness
paleness
candour
candor
blondness
comeliness
beauteousness
Antonyms
Related words
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.
