Unfairness: meaning, definitions and examples

General term used to describe situations where something is not just or equitable.

• The teacher showed unfairness by giving more attention to some students than others.
• There is a sense of unfairness in the way resources are distributed in the community.

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.

• The evident injustice in the court's decision outraged the public.
• Many fight against the injustice of poverty and lack of basic rights.

Situations where there is an imbalance or unfair distribution of resources or opportunities, particularly in a structural or systemic context.

• The inequity in the education system is leaving many children without proper schooling.
• Healthcare inequity remains a major concern in many countries.

A preconceived opinion or inclination that prevents objective judgment, often used when talking about personal or institutional tendencies.

• His bias towards his friends was evident in the group project evaluations.
• The article showed a clear bias against the new policy.

Negative treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion, typically has a legal or societal focus.

• The company faced a lawsuit for racial discrimination in its hiring practices.
• Gender discrimination in the workplace is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.