B1adjective2K

Unfair

UK /["/ˌʌnˈfeə(r)/"]/US /["/ˌʌnˈfer/"]/

Definition

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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!

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • inequitable
  • biased
  • unjust
  • discriminatory
  • prejudiced

Antonyms

  • fair
  • just
  • equitable

Common mistakes

  • 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.