unfair

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "unfair" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that describes something that is not reasonable or equitable. For example, "It's unfair that only certain people have access to this privilege."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They think it's unfair to expect Germany to make an open-ended commitment to support these countries in the absence of meaningful reform.

The New York Times

But Greek voters are equally certain that it's unfair for them to suffer years of slim government budgets and high unemployment in order to repay foreign banks and richer northern neighbors, which have reaped outsized benefits from closer European integration.

The New York Times

That may be unfair.

The New York Times

But that would be unfair.

The New York Times

That is unfair.

The Economist

"Human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities," he said at the time.

The Guardian

He said he was "angry" about this, but added: "It would be unfair to pass suspended sentences on you in these circumstances".

The Guardian

According to Yuseff Hamm, president of the NYPD Guardians Association,a black officers' fraternal group, pot arrests are inherently unfair because black and brown pot users often don't have backyards to smoke a joint in.

The Guardian

It is all part of the process of maintaining some dignity in a massively overcrowded and unfair profession.

The Guardian

Related: Thousands jailed in Uzbekistan on politically motivated charges, report says Human rights groups also lambasted the election as unconstitutional and unfair, while also noting the Karimov regime's track record of abuses and repression of criticism.

The Guardian

But it seems unfair to say that anyone lucky enough to have a stable and happy background can't achieve success.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfair", be specific about what makes the situation unequal or unjust. Provide context to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "unfair" without providing concrete reasons or evidence. Clearly articulate the disparity or injustice to make your point more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unfair" primarily functions to describe something that deviates from standards of justice, equity, or impartiality. It is commonly used to express disapproval or criticism of a situation or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage as an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unfair" is a frequently used adjective to express a sense of injustice or inequity. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing most often in news and media contexts to highlight imbalances or biased situations. While "unfair" is a powerful term, it's important to provide specific reasons or evidence to support its use, as simply labeling something "unfair" without further explanation can weaken your argument. Related terms like "unjust" or "inequitable" can provide more nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unjust

Similar in meaning, but often implies a violation of moral principles or laws.

inequitable

Focuses on the lack of fairness in distribution or opportunity.

biased

Highlights prejudice or a leaning in favor of one side over another.

unwarranted

Emphasizes the lack of justification or reason for something.

unreasonable

Suggests that something goes beyond the bounds of what is logical or acceptable.

discriminatory

Indicates prejudice against a particular category of people.

one-sided

Implies a lack of balance or consideration for all perspectives.

iniquitous

Strongly suggests moral wickedness or gross injustice.

undeserved

Highlights that something is not merited or earned.

wrongful

Suggests something is unlawful or morally wrong.

FAQs

How can I use "unfair" in a sentence?

You can use "unfair" to describe situations or actions that are not just or equitable, such as, "It's "unfair that" some students have access to better resources than others".

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

"Unfair" generally refers to a lack of equality or impartiality, while "unjust" implies a violation of moral or legal principles. The phrase "unjust" carries a stronger connotation of wrongdoing.

What can I say instead of "unfair"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "inequitable", "biased", or "unjust" to express a similar sentiment.

Is it always subjective to say something is "unfair"?

While perceptions of fairness can be subjective, claims of something being "unfair" are strengthened by providing objective evidence of unequal treatment or unjust outcomes.