unfair

Everyday

Unfair means not fair: not treating people equally or in a right and honest way, or not following the rules. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, school and games, it is unfair when someone cheats, takes more than their share, or is treated badly because of who they are. «That's unfair!» is a common complaint; good friends try to share fairly and take turns. In maths, sharing unfairly means groups are not equal; fair dice give each number the same chance, an unfair (loaded) die does not. In stories, characters often fight against unfair rules or treatment.

Examples

• It's unfair that he got more cake than me. tree →
• Cheating is unfair to the other players. tree →
• The rule seemed unfair to the younger children. tree →
• It's unfair to blame her for something she didn't do. tree →
• A loaded die is unfair because some numbers come up more. tree →
• The referee made an unfair decision. tree →
• Leaving him out of the game was unfair. tree →
• "Your conduct," said they, "is very strange and, we think, very unfair. tree →

Note

Prefix «un-» + «fair». Noun «unfairness», adverb «unfairly». Say «unfair to someone» or «unfair on someone» (British). In maths, «unfair shares» are not equal. Homophone of «fair»: «fare» (the price of a ticket).