fairness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts of justice, equality, or impartiality in various contexts, such as law, ethics, or social issues. Example: "The committee's decision was based on fairness, ensuring that all voices were heard and considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grievances aren't unreasonable, on either side, but the focus on fairness, by making it harder to reach any kind of agreement at all, could prove disastrous.

The New York Times

As a part of America's higher education system, college basketball plays and important role in diversity, equality, fairness and inclusion, and will continue to do so in the future".

The Guardian - Sport

The basic problem is that we care so much about fairness that we are often willing to sacrifice economic well-being to enforce it.

The Economist

But in a negotiation where neither side can have what it really wants, and where the least bad solution is as good as it gets, worrying too much about fairness can be suicidal.

The Economist

"There has been nothing proven against the APY board, there has been no natural justice, no procedural fairness, no compartmentalisation of any allegations," said Sansbury on behalf of the group and approved by APY.

The Guardian

Little wonder that fairness as a moral ideal can be dismissed as hazy romanticism and the ethical imperative of the green-eyed monster.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The more games you play the more sense you have of things like fairness - if you play an unfair game it's no fun, it's not a good game.

The Guardian - Tech

And fairness means that those with the least should pay less, with those on the lowest incomes paying nothing at all".

The Guardian

Any concept of fairness to the British public was a sideline here.

The Guardian

This is not about socialism, it is about fairness".

The Guardian - Money

Of course I'm calling for the Green party's inclusion – and while he clearly has his own political interests, so is David Cameron, his case bolstered by its evident fairness (and the backing of 275,000 petition signatories) – but there is a strong argument for a broader structure that allows in other anti-austerity voices.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fairness" in contexts where impartiality and just treatment are central to the argument or discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "fairness" interchangeably with equality. "Fairness" focuses on just treatment and may involve providing different resources to achieve equitable outcomes, while equality implies treating everyone the same, which may not always be fair.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fairness" is as a noun. It typically refers to the quality of being impartial, just, or equitable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a commonly used term across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fairness" is a very common noun that denotes impartiality and just treatment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts. While grammatically sound, clarify the specific criteria to avoid ambiguity. Commonly, "fairness" is used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains and is important not to be confused with equality. Alternative phrases include "equity", "justice", and "impartiality". Be sure to use it when impartiality and just treatment are central to your argument or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impartiality

Emphasizes unbiased judgment and treatment.

justice

Highlights the moral rightness in actions or judgments.

equity

Focuses on providing what is needed for each individual to succeed.

evenhandedness

Stresses treating all sides equally and justly.

objectivity

Highlights the importance of basing judgments on facts, not feelings.

fair-mindedness

Underscores having an open and impartial attitude.

righteousness

Implies moral correctness and integrity.

uprightness

Focuses on moral virtue and honesty.

probity

Emphasizes strong moral principles and integrity.

Integrity

Focuses on strong moral principles and honesty.

FAQs

How can I use "fairness" in a sentence?

"Fairness" is often used to describe just and equitable treatment. For example: "The decision was made with utmost "fairness" towards all parties involved".

What are some synonyms for "fairness"?

Alternatives to "fairness" include "equity", "justice", "impartiality", and "evenhandedness". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "fairness" differ from equality?

"Fairness" involves treating people justly, which may mean giving different levels of support based on individual needs. Equality, on the other hand, means treating everyone the same, regardless of their needs. "Equity" often aligns more closely with the concept of "fairness".

Is it correct to say something is "fairness"?

While grammatically unusual, you can describe something as showing "fairness", such as "The judge demonstrated exceptional "fairness" in their ruling". However, it is more common to say something is "fair" or "just".