grossly unfair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grossly unfair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that is extremely unjust or inequitable. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the program was grossly unfair to the students who rely on it for their education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's grossly unfair".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet this is grossly unfair.

The Economist

That would be grossly unfair.

The New York Times

This stereotype is grossly unfair.

The Guardian

I think this is grossly unfair.

The New York Times

Bartomeu says the image is grossly unfair.

Independent

He called the punishment "grossly unfair".

The New York Times

That would have been grossly unfair.

The Guardian - Sport

"That is grossly unfair," she countered.

The Guardian

In my opinion, this is grossly unfair.

The New York Times

It interprets this guidance in a grossly unfair way.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grossly unfair", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the significant degree of injustice or inequity you are describing. Provide specific examples to support your claim and strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "grossly unfair" as a generic complaint. Always provide concrete examples or evidence to illustrate why the situation is so exceptionally unjust. This strengthens your argument and prevents the phrase from sounding like hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grossly unfair" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something as extremely unjust or inequitable. As supported by Ludwig, it's used to express a strong sense of disapproval regarding a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grossly unfair" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe situations characterized by extreme injustice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys a strong sense of disapproval. While "grossly unfair" is most frequently used in news and media, it's essential to provide context and specific examples to support your claims and avoid sounding hyperbolic. Remember that alternatives like "patently unjust" or "outrageously unfair" may provide a more precise nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently unjust

Emphasizes the obviousness and clarity of the injustice.

blatantly inequitable

Highlights the lack of equality and fairness in a conspicuous way.

egregiously unjust

Suggests that the unfairness is outstandingly bad or shocking.

outrageously unfair

Conveys a sense of indignation and extreme injustice.

shockingly unjust

Focuses on the surprising and disturbing nature of the unfairness.

scandalously unjust

Implies that the unfairness is so severe that it causes public outrage.

terribly unfair

Emphasizes the degree to which something is not fair or just.

extremely biased

Highlights the prejudice and lack of impartiality.

profoundly unjust

Highlights the depth and intensity of the injustice.

severely inequitable

Emphasizes the drastic and significant imbalance or lack of fairness.

FAQs

How can I use "grossly unfair" in a sentence?

You can use "grossly unfair" to describe situations that are markedly unjust. For example, "The distribution of resources was "grossly unfair", with some communities receiving significantly more than others".

What are some alternatives to saying "grossly unfair"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "patently unjust", "blatantly inequitable", or "outrageously unfair" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "very grossly unfair"?

Yes, it is redundant. The word "grossly" already implies a significant degree of unfairness. Adding "very" is unnecessary and weakens the impact of the phrase.

What's the difference between "unfair" and "grossly unfair"?

"Unfair" simply means not fair or just. "Grossly unfair" indicates a much higher degree of injustice, suggesting that the situation is shockingly or obviously inequitable. It's a stronger, more emphatic expression.