Unfair: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in general situations where something is not right or just.

• It's unfair that she was punished while others were not.
• The referee made an unfair decision during the match.

Used to describe actions or situations that are morally wrong and unfair.

• The unjust treatment of prisoners is a serious human rights issue.
• It was unjust to blame her for a mistake she didn't make.

Used in formal contexts to describe something that is unfair or unjust, especially in distribution or treatment.

• The distribution of resources was inequitable, leaving some areas underfunded.
• An inequitable system benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

Used when someone has a preconceived opinion that influences their actions or decisions.

• The judge was biased against the defendant.
• The news report was biased, showing only one side of the story.

Used in situations involving unfair treatment of people based on certain characteristics like race, gender, or age.

• The policy was discriminatory, favoring younger employees over older ones.
• Laws that prevent discriminatory hiring practices are essential.

Use this when talking about a situation where things are not balanced or equal, such as someone being given an advantage over others without a valid reason.

• It's unfair that she got the job just because she knows the boss.
• The rules of the game are unfair and favor the older kids.

Use this when referring to someone who is lying, cheating, or not telling the truth.

• He was dishonest about his qualifications on his resume.
• Her dishonest behavior lost her many friends.

Use this to describe actions or behavior that are morally wrong or against accepted standards of behavior, especially in professional settings.

• It is unethical for a doctor to prescribe treatments that are not needed.
• Her unethical business practices eventually led to her being fired.

Use this when describing something that is not fair or morally right, often in the context of laws, rules, or social systems.

• The punishment was unjust and far too severe for the crime.
• Many people believe the new law is unjust and discriminatory.

Use this when there is a bias or when someone favors one side over another, often in an unfair manner.

• The judge was partial and clearly supported the plaintiff.
• His partial opinion made it hard to trust his judgment.

This word is appropriate when describing situations that are not just or equitable, often in a general or everyday context. It conveys a sense of somebody being treated in a way that is not right or deserved.

• The teacher's decision to give extra points to only one student was unfair.
• It was unfair that I had to do all the cleaning by myself.

This word is used when describing actions that involve cheating or lying. It implies a lack of honesty and is negative in nature.

• He gained his position at the company dishonestly by lying about his qualifications.
• She acted dishonestly by taking credit for someone else’s work.

This word is appropriate for situations where actions or outcomes are not only unfair but also violate principles of justice or legal standards. It has a strong negative implication.

• She was unjustly imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit.
• The laws discriminated unjustly against certain groups of people.

This word is best used when actions go against moral principles or professional standards. It has a negative connotation and usually involves actions seen as morally wrong.

• He acted unethically by using company resources for personal gain.
• The journalist obtained the information unethically by hacking into private accounts.

This word is suitable when someone shows favoritism or bias towards a particular person or thing. It suggests that decisions or views are not objective.

• The judge was criticized for being partial towards the defendant.
• She is often partial to her own children when resolving fights.