unfair influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfair influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something exerts an inappropriate or unjust level of control or persuasion over another person or situation. Example: "The committee's decision was swayed by the unfair influence of a few powerful members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The one topic on which he is said to exert unfair influence is over modern architecture.

The Guardian - Opinion

The French and German governments are already jostling for position, each suspecting the other of exercising unfair influence.

The Guardian - Business

In the end, though, it was our own courts that displayed the unfair influence of money and the corporate bias that follows.

The New Yorker

The commission's decision was expected to revive a 2012 inquiry by a British competition watchdog into whether Ryanair's stake in Aer Lingus gave it unfair influence over Aer Lingus's business and strategy.

The New York Times

In the 1970s, legislation regulating campaign contributions and expenditures was enacted to address increasing concerns that the largely private funding of presidential elections enabled large contributors to gain unfair influence over a president's policies and legislative agenda.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The focus of Ni Peiguo, the businessman, appears to have been Mr. Zhao, whom Mr. Ni suspected of exerting unfair influence over rulings that resulted in a major financial loss for Mr. Ni.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"I realize it was necessary for our jury to be sequestered in order to (protect) our verdict from unfair outside influence, but that isolation shielded me from the depth of pain that exists among the general public over every aspect of this case".

Los Angeles Times

Any electoral system that gives the citizens of Iowa or New Hampshire — or other less populous states, or "swing" states or any state — a disproportionate and unfair amount of influence in nominating and electing the president must be rejected as unsuitable for our country.

The New York Times

To what extent can negative and perceived unfair healthcare encounters influence long-term sick-listed patients' ability to return to work?

BMJ Open

But blaming those deaths on a nefarious alliance of doctors and infant-food manufacturers, as has become commonplace, seems both unfair and unduly influenced by later twentieth-century scandals (most infamously, Nestlé's deadly peddling of infant formula in Africa and elsewhere, which led, in 1981, to the landmark International Code for Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes).

The New Yorker

Furthermore, Harlé et al. (2012) have found that sad mood, an emotion frequently experienced by individuals scoring higher on neuroticism (Watson et al., 1994), decreases the acceptance rates for unfair offers and influences activation in the AI, ACC and ventral striatum during these offers (Harlé et al., 2012).

Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unfair influence", clearly specify who or what is being unfairly influenced and who or what is exerting the influence. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "unfair influence" without specifying the source. Providing specific examples or identifying the individuals or entities responsible makes your claim more credible and less susceptible to challenge.

Linguistic Context

Unfair influence functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes the exertion of unjust or inappropriate control over someone or something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfair influence" describes the inappropriate or unjust control exerted over someone or something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Common across news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, the phrase is grammatically correct and carries a negative connotation. While alternatives like "undue influence" or "improper influence" exist, the specific context often dictates the most appropriate choice. When using "unfair influence", specify who is influencing whom and the nature of the unfairness to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undue influence

Emphasizes the inappropriateness or illegality of the influence.

improper influence

Highlights the lack of ethical standards in the influence.

inordinate influence

Focuses on the excessive degree of influence.

disproportionate influence

Indicates an imbalance in the level of influence exerted.

unjustified influence

Implies there is no legitimate reason for the influence.

unwarranted influence

Suggests the influence is not deserved or justified.

excessive sway

Uses 'sway' to highlight the power to direct or determine.

inequitable leverage

Replaces 'influence' with 'leverage' to underscore the strategic advantage.

unbalanced control

Highlights the lack of equilibrium in the control being exerted.

prejudicial sway

Focuses on the negative impact of the influence, suggesting bias.

FAQs

How can "unfair influence" be demonstrated in a legal context?

In legal settings, demonstrating "unfair influence" often requires providing evidence of coercion, manipulation, or a breach of fiduciary duty. This can include showing that a vulnerable party was pressured into making decisions against their best interests.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "unfair influence"?

You can use alternatives like "undue influence", "improper influence", or "disproportionate influence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "unfair influence" differ from simple persuasion?

"Unfair influence" goes beyond simple persuasion by implying coercion, manipulation, or an abuse of power. While persuasion involves reasoned arguments and appeals, "unfair influence" exploits vulnerabilities or imbalances of power to sway decisions.

What are the ethical implications of exercising "unfair influence"?

Exercising "unfair influence" is generally considered unethical because it undermines autonomy, distorts decision-making processes, and can lead to unjust outcomes. It violates principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for individual rights.