unfair practices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfair practices" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that are unjust or unethical, often in a business or legal context. Example: "The company was fined for engaging in unfair practices that harmed its competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Counterclaims in unfair practices in international trade.

Cornell University

Are the companies following unfair practices?

University of California, Berkeley

"We ask the U.S. government to scrap these unfair practices".

The New York Times

Unfair practices simply continue indefinitely unless someone complains.

The Guardian

The Human Rights Act was used to challenge inflexible laws and unfair practices.

The Guardian - Opinion

Labour was offered protection from unfair practices and given the right to bargain collectively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(If regulators are right, however, Intel resorted to all kinds of unfair practices to buy time).

The Economist

As the industry has grown, so have the charges of unfair practices.

The New York Times

In 1958 a defeated contestant accused the producers of Twenty-One of unfair practices.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consumer groups, however, say that enforcement is crucial to curbing abusive, deceptive or unfair practices.

The New York Times

Trud and 24 Chasa struck back, accusing Ms. Krasteva of unfair practices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "unfair practices", be specific about the actions. Instead of saying "the company engaged in unfair practices", specify what those practices were, such as "the company engaged in unfair practices by manipulating pricing to undercut competitors".

Common error

Avoid using "unfair practices" as a vague accusation. Provide concrete evidence or examples to support your claim; otherwise, it weakens your argument and may be considered libelous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfair practices" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a set of actions or behaviors that are considered unjust, unethical, or deceptive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unfair practices" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term that describes actions considered unjust, unethical, or deceptive. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans diverse contexts, including news reports, academic discussions, and legal documents. Its function is primarily to identify and condemn behaviors that deviate from fairness, and its register varies from neutral to professional depending on the source. To ensure clarity and impact, it's best to specify the actual actions rather than relying on the general term. Alternatives such as "unethical conduct" or "deceptive schemes" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unethical conduct

Focuses specifically on the moral dimension of the actions.

Deceptive schemes

Highlights the element of trickery or deceit involved.

Abusive behavior

Emphasizes the harm or mistreatment caused by the actions.

Predatory tactics

Implies exploitation of vulnerability for personal gain.

Unjust methods

Focuses on the lack of fairness and equity in the procedures.

Exploitative actions

Highlights the use of someone's situation to one's own advantage.

Dishonest dealings

Focuses on the lack of integrity in business or personal interactions.

Corrupt activities

Implies illegal or immoral actions, often involving bribery or misuse of power.

Underhanded strategies

Emphasizes the secretive and potentially deceitful nature of the approach.

Manipulative techniques

Highlights the use of influence to control someone unfairly.

FAQs

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

You can use "unfair practices" to describe actions that are unjust, unethical, or deceptive. For example: "The investigation revealed several instances of "unfair practices" within the company."

What are some synonyms for "unfair practices"?

Some alternatives include "unethical conduct", "deceptive schemes", or "abusive behavior" depending on the specific context.

What laws address "unfair practices"?

Many consumer protection laws and trade regulations are designed to prevent "unfair practices". Examples include antitrust laws, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and various state-level consumer protection acts.

What's the difference between "unfair practices" and "illegal practices"?

"Unfair practices" may not always be strictly illegal but are considered unethical or unjust. "Illegal practices", on the other hand, are specifically prohibited by law and can result in legal penalties.