Unfairness: meaning, definitions and examples
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unfairness
[ʌnˈfɛr.nəs ]
Definition
injustice
Unfairness refers to the quality or state of being unjust, biased, or not equitable. It is the lack of fairness or impartiality in a situation, decision, or treatment.
Synonyms
bias, discrimination, inequity, injustice.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unfairness |
General term used to describe situations where something is not just or equitable.
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| injustice |
A broader term that refers to any act or condition that goes against what is morally right or fair, often relates to legal and societal issues.
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| inequity |
Situations where there is an imbalance or unfair distribution of resources or opportunities, particularly in a structural or systemic context.
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| bias |
A preconceived opinion or inclination that prevents objective judgment, often used when talking about personal or institutional tendencies.
|
| discrimination |
Negative treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion, typically has a legal or societal focus.
|
Examples of usage
- The unfairness of the judge's decision shocked everyone in the courtroom.
- Many employees complained about the unfairness of the company's promotion policies.
- The unfairness of the grading system led to protests among the students.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The concept dates back to ancient civilizations where laws and rights were often unequally applied, leading to early discussions about justice.
- Common law in England started addressing unfair practices as far back as the 12th century, evolving into today's legal protections against injustice.
Psychology
- Research shows that people have a strong sense of fairness and will often advocate for equal treatment, even at a cost to themselves.
- Studies indicate that witnessing unfairness activates the brain's emotional centers, triggering feelings of anger or distress.
Literature
- Classic literature often explores themes of injustice, with characters fighting against societal unfairness in works like 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
- Fables and folklore frequently depict characters suffering due to unfairness, teaching moral lessons about equality and justice.
Sociology
- Sociologists study how different cultures define and experience fairness, revealing significant variations based on societal norms and practices.
- Discussions around social justice often center on fairness, focusing on the inequalities faced by marginalized groups in various societies.
Economics
- Economic theories frequently assess fairness in wealth distribution, examining how policies can create or mitigate disparities among social classes.
- Market policies and regulations, in many cases, aim to address unfair practices to ensure a level playing field for all participants.
Translations
Translations of the word "unfairness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 injustiça
🇮🇳 अन्याय
🇩🇪 Ungerechtigkeit
🇮🇩 ketidakadilan
🇺🇦 несправедливість
🇵🇱 niesprawiedliwość
🇯🇵 不公平
🇫🇷 injustice
🇪🇸 injusticia
🇹🇷 adaletsizlik
🇰🇷 불공정
🇸🇦 ظلم
🇨🇿 nespravedlnost
🇸🇰 nespravodlivosť
🇨🇳 不公
🇸🇮 nepravičnost
🇮🇸 óréttlæti
🇰🇿 әділетсіздік
🇬🇪 უსამართლობა
🇦🇿 ədalətsizlik
🇲🇽 injusticia