B1adjective 2K

Unfair

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌʌnˈfeə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌʌnˈfer/"]/

Meaning of Unfair

not right or fair according to a set of rules or principles; not treating people equally

In simple words: Not treating people equally or justly

Unfair in a sentence

• It's unfair that some students get special treatment while others do not.
• Many people believe that the system is unfair to those from low-income families.
• The referee made an unfair call that changed the outcome of the game.
• It's unfair to judge a person without knowing their full story.
• Some policies can be deemed unfair if they do not apply equally to everyone.

How to use Unfair

Use 'unfair' to describe situations, rules, or actions that are not equitable. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but can come off as emotional in heated discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 'un-fair' — imagine a game where only some players can win!

Related words

Collocations with Unfair

• be
• seem
• consider something
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• to

Synonyms for Unfair

• inequitable
• biased
• unjust
• discriminatory
• prejudiced

Opposites of Unfair

• fair
• just
• equitable

Common mistakes with Unfair

• Confusing 'unfair' with 'inequitable' — similar but not interchangeable in casual speech.
• Using 'unfairness' instead of 'unfair' when describing a situation.
• Mixing up the usage of 'fair' and 'unfair' — be careful with the negative.

Frequently asked questions about Unfair

What does Unfair mean?

Not treating people equally or justly

What is the definition of Unfair?

not right or fair according to a set of rules or principles; not treating people equally

How do you use Unfair in a sentence?

It's unfair that some students get special treatment while others do not.

Can you give another example of Unfair?

Many people believe that the system is unfair to those from low-income families.

What are synonyms for Unfair?

Common alternatives include inequitable, biased, unjust, discriminatory, prejudiced.

What is the opposite of Unfair?

Opposite meanings include fair, just, equitable.

What words go with Unfair?

It commonly pairs with be, seem, consider something, extremely, fairly, very, to.

What are common mistakes when using Unfair?

Confusing 'unfair' with 'inequitable' — similar but not interchangeable in casual speech. Using 'unfairness' instead of 'unfair' when describing a situation. Mixing up the usage of 'fair' and 'unfair' — be careful with the negative.

How do you pronounce Unfair?

US: /["/ˌʌnˈfer/"]/, UK: /["/ˌʌnˈfeə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Unfair?

Use 'unfair' to describe situations, rules, or actions that are not equitable. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but can come off as emotional in heated discussions.

What CEFR level is Unfair?

"Unfair" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.