slightly unfair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly unfair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or judgment that is not entirely just or equitable, but only to a minor degree. Example: "While I understand the reasoning behind the decision, I still feel it is slightly unfair to penalize the students for circumstances beyond their control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is slightly unfair.

Independent

That is slightly unfair.

The New Yorker

Jonny thinks that's slightly unfair.

The Guardian - Sport

Then again, the comparison is slightly unfair.

The New York Times - Sports

To be expected, if not slightly unfair.

Independent

It was a well-delivered line, if also slightly unfair.

The Guardian - Sport

"It might be slightly unfair to the pitcher, but that's part of baseball.

The New York Times

A bit belatedly I've realised I was, in one element, slightly unfair on Aviva.

The Guardian

I've often been called the high priest of gothic miserablism, which is slightly unfair".

The Guardian - Books

The perceived contrast in style between these sides was slightly unfair on St Johnstone.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be only slightly unfair to say that Ms. Roach's main focus in "Packing for Mars" is scatological.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "slightly unfair", provide context or reasoning to support your assessment. This adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly unfair" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternative expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly unfair" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It qualifies the degree of unfairness, indicating it is present but not severe. As shown in Ludwig, it serves to moderate a negative assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Sport

18%

Books

12%

Less common in

Opinion

9%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slightly unfair" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not entirely just, but only to a minor extent. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI analysis and numerous examples, this phrase is used across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, sports reporting, and book reviews, where the ability to offer a measured, nuanced judgment is often required. Its neutral register and frequent use in authoritative sources like the Guardian and The New York Times affirm its suitability for both formal and informal communication. When using "slightly unfair", remember to provide context and avoid overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unjust

Indicates a degree of unfairness, but emphasizes the lack of justice.

mildly inequitable

Highlights the lack of equity or balance, suggesting a minor imbalance.

a bit biased

Suggests the presence of prejudice or favoritism, implying a leaning towards one side.

marginally skewed

Implies a slight distortion or deviation from what is considered fair or accurate.

rather unreasonable

Focuses on the lack of reason or logic behind a decision or action, suggesting it is not entirely fair.

somewhat disproportionate

Emphasizes the lack of proportional balance, suggesting an unequal distribution.

a touch heavy-handed

Indicates the use of excessive force or authority, implying a lack of fairness in the application of power.

not entirely equitable

Emphasizes that something falls short of being completely fair and impartial.

a little one-sided

Suggests an imbalance in perspective or treatment, indicating a lack of objectivity.

somewhat off-balance

Highlights a lack of equilibrium or fairness, suggesting an imbalance in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "slightly unfair" to express that something isn't completely just, but only to a small degree. For example, "While I understand the reasoning, I still think it's "slightly unfair" to penalize the students."

What are some alternatives to saying "slightly unfair"?

Alternatives include "somewhat unjust", "mildly inequitable", or "a bit biased", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "slightly unfair" or "a little unfair"?

Both "slightly unfair" and "a little unfair" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "slightly unfair"?

Use "slightly unfair" when you want to express a mild disagreement or criticism without being overly harsh. It's appropriate when acknowledging the validity of a situation while still pointing out a minor injustice.