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Unfairly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfairly

[ʌnˈfɛrli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

injustice

In a manner that is not just or equitable; without fairness.

Synonyms

discriminatively, inequitably, unjustly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfairly

Used when something is not just or right, generally in a broad sense. It implies a lack of fairness in treatment or judgment without specifying a cause.

  • She was penalized unfairly during the competition
  • It is unfairly assumed that he is responsible for the mistake
unjustly

Used when describing something that is morally wrong or violates principles of justice. It implies a more severe moral judgment compared to 'unfairly'.

  • The prisoner was unjustly accused and sentenced
  • She lost her job unjustly due to false accusations
inequitably

Used when something is distributed or allocated in an unequal or unjust manner. It particularly highlights an imbalance.

  • The resources were inequitably shared among the departments
  • The funds were inequitably distributed, favoring one group over others
discriminatively

Used when a person or group is treated differently, often worse, based on specific attributes like race, gender, or age. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

  • Employees were discriminatively denied promotions based on their gender
  • The policy discriminatively affects people from certain backgrounds

Examples of usage

  • He was unfairly treated by his colleagues.
  • The decision was made unfairly.
  • She accused him of treating her unfairly.
  • The company was accused of unfairly discriminating against certain employees.
  • The judge ruled that the trial was conducted unfairly.
Context #2 | Adjective

treatment

In a manner that is not just or equitable; not fair.

Synonyms

biased, inequitable, unjust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfairly

When someone is treated in a way that is not just or right, especially in specific situations where the treatment is clearly unreasonable or not deserved.

  • She was unfairly dismissed from her job
  • The referee unfairly favored the home team
unjust

When an action, situation, or system is morally wrong or unfair, often in a more serious or grave context. It implies a deeper level of moral judgment.

  • The law is unjust and discriminates against minorities
  • It's unjust to punish someone so severely for a minor mistake
inequitable

When something is not fair or equal, often related to policies, laws, or resource distribution. It usually applies to broader systemic issues rather than individual instances.

  • The inequitable distribution of wealth is a major issue in many countries
  • It's inequitable for some schools to receive more funding than others
biased

When there is a tendency to favor one person, group, or thing over another, often in an unjust or prejudiced manner. This can apply to opinions, decisions, or media coverage.

  • The article was biased and didn't present both sides of the story
  • He is biased towards hiring friends as employees

Examples of usage

  • She felt that the punishment was unfairly harsh.
  • He was the victim of an unfairly biased evaluation.
  • The students protested against the unfairly difficult exam questions.
  • The employees were upset about the unfairly low wages.
  • The decision was considered unfairly biased.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Justice

  • The idea of fairness has been a central tenet in discussions of social justice and equality, often emphasized in movements advocating for civil rights.
  • Unfair treatment based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status has led to significant societal changes and reforms throughout history.
  • Legal systems often rely on the principle of fairness to ensure that all individuals receive equal protection under the law.

Psychology

  • Research in psychology shows that humans have an innate sense of fairness and can easily recognize when something is unjust.
  • Studies indicate that children as young as three years old can discern unfair behavior, suggesting a natural inclination towards justice.
  • Experiments have shown that witnessing unfair treatment can provoke strong emotional reactions, highlighting its psychological impact.

Economics

  • Fairness in economic transactions is vital for healthy market functioning; people are more likely to engage when they perceive fairness.
  • The concept of 'fair trade' emerged to address unfair trading practices, advocating for equal treatment for producers in developing countries.
  • Economic theories often explore fairness through concepts like equitable distribution of resources and its effects on societal wellbeing.

Literature

  • In classic literature, unfair treatment is a common theme, showcasing moral dilemmas faced by characters, often leading to their development.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens addressed social injustices of their times, highlighting the effects of unfairness on individuals and society.
  • Poets have used 'unfairly' in works to evoke emotions tied to betrayal, inequity, and moral struggle, enriching the reader's experience.

Origin of 'unfairly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has roots in Old English, with 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'fair,' which originally referred to being beautiful or just.
  • The concept of fairness can be traced back to the Latin 'aequus,' meaning equal, highlighting the historical importance of equality.
  • The combination of the prefix 'un-' with 'fair' began appearing in English literature around the early 17th century.

The word 'unfairly' is formed by adding the suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'unfair'. The term 'unfair' dates back to the mid-16th century, derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'fair' meaning 'just'. Over time, 'unfairly' has become commonly used in English to describe actions or situations that lack fairness or justice.

See also: fair, fairly, fairness, fairway, fairy, unfair, unfairness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,566, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.