Unfairly: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "unfairly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 injustamente

🇮🇳 अन्यायपूर्वक

🇩🇪 unfairerweise

🇮🇩 secara tidak adil

🇺🇦 несправедливо

🇵🇱 niesprawiedliwie

🇯🇵 不公平に

🇫🇷 injustement

🇪🇸 injustamente

🇹🇷 haksızca

🇰🇷 부당하게

🇸🇦 بغير عدل

🇨🇿 nespravedlivě

🇸🇰 nespravodlivo

🇨🇳 不公平地

🇸🇮 nepravično

🇮🇸 ósanngjarnt

🇰🇿 әділетсіз

🇬🇪 უსამართლოდ

🇦🇿 ədalətsiz

🇲🇽 injustamente

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.

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14563 unsupported
14564 crumbs
14565 piracy
14566 unfairly
14567 globular
14568 intensively
14569 biochemistry
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