is unfair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unfair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a judgment or opinion about something that is perceived as unjust or inequitable. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the arts program is unfair to the students who rely on it for their education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

ReprintsThis is unfair.

The Economist

"The tax is unfair.

The New York Times

It is unfair'.

Independent

Life is unfair.

The New York Times

That, too, is unfair.

The Economist

That is unfair.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

That would be unfair.

The Economist

"The process was unfair".

The New Yorker

That's unfair!

The New York Times

That was unfair.

The New York Times

Would that be unfair?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unfair", provide specific context or reasoning to support your assertion. This adds credibility to your statement and helps the audience understand your perspective.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "is unfair" without providing concrete examples or explanations. Without supporting details, the statement can be perceived as a baseless complaint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unfair" primarily functions as a subjective assessment or judgment. It expresses an opinion about the perceived lack of justice, equity, or reasonableness in a given situation. This function is supported by Ludwig AI, confirming its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unfair" serves as a prevalent expression for conveying a sense of injustice or inequity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile, fitting diverse contexts while primarily dwelling within news and media. While readily adopted, remember to specify the reason behind your assertion to steer clear of ambiguity. Alternatives like "is unjust" or "is inequitable" can add nuanced layers to your expression. This comprehensive guide equips you to wield "is unfair" with precision, ensuring your voice resonates with clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unjust

Replaces "unfair" with a synonym emphasizing the lack of justice.

is inequitable

Focuses on the lack of equality and balance.

is biased

Highlights prejudice or favoritism.

is unwarranted

Suggests that something lacks justification or reason.

is discriminatory

Emphasizes the act of treating groups differently, often negatively.

is unreasonable

Implies a lack of logic or fairness.

is not justified

States that there is no valid reason for something.

is out of line

Suggests that something has crossed acceptable boundaries.

is not equitable

Highlights a lack of fairness and impartiality.

represents an injustice

Frames the situation as a specific instance of unfairness.

FAQs

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

You can use "is unfair" to express disagreement with a decision, rule, or situation. For example, "It is unfair to apply the new policy retroactively" or "The distribution of resources is unfair to marginalized communities".

What are some alternatives to using "is unfair"?

Alternatives include "is unjust", "is inequitable", or "is biased", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate, "is unfair" or "seems unfair"?

"Is unfair" is a direct statement of opinion. "Seems unfair" introduces a degree of subjectivity or uncertainty. Use "seems unfair" when you want to express a perception rather than a definitive judgment.

What's the difference between "is unfair" and "is unethical"?

"Is unfair" typically refers to a lack of justice or equity, while "is unethical" suggests a violation of moral principles or professional standards. Unfairness can exist without being strictly unethical, and vice versa.