unfair request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unfair request" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a request that is unreasonable or unjust. Example: "She felt it was an unfair request to work overtime without additional pay." Alternative expressions include "unreasonable demand" and "improper request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is an unfair request, I realise.

Independent

"It didn't seem like such an unfair request.

The New York Times

This may seem like an outlandish and possibly somewhat unfair request to make of the service, but it is also exactly where dedicated traveller applications can succeed.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Protesters holding hashtag decorated signs reading "Shame On Twitter" and "Respect Our Communities" gathered outside of Twitter headquarters at 795 Folsom this morning to protest what they see as an unfair requests for a tax exemption and other concessions made by Twitter to the city of San Francisco.

TechCrunch

In truth, we know these unfair requests are about the bride's opinion of herself more than anything.

Huffington Post

Calling the IRS request unfair, opponents are asking for return of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash deposits required to file cases.

Forbes

Grosset & Dunlap filed suit against the Syndicate and Simon and Schuster, citing "breach of contract, copyright infringement, and unfair competition" and requesting $300 million in damages.

Wikipedia

In return they would be asked to give up their rights over unfair dismissal, redundancy and requests for flexible working and time off for training.

The Guardian

But the Nixon Foundation — a group of Nixon loyalists who controlled this museum until the National Archives took it over three years ago — described it as unfair and distorted, and requested that the archives not approve the exhibition until its objections are addressed.

The New York Times

YouTube lets you restrict access, so I complied, but isn't her request overprotective and unfair?

The New York Times - Magazine

(And it's not unfair to note that her request for a Senate seat, on the heels of her crucial endorsement of Barack Obama, carries a whiff of Chicago quid pro quo — Blagojevichism with better manners).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with specific evidence to strengthen your argument, such as describing exactly why the parameters of the request are imbalanced.

Common error

Avoid using "unfair request" to describe actions that are strictly prohibited by law. In legal contexts, use more precise terms like "unlawful demand" or "statutory violation" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unfair request" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unfair" modifies the noun "request". According to Ludwig, it is typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "to make an "unfair request"") or as a predicative nominative following a linking verb (e.g., "the demand was an "unfair request"").

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "unfair request" is a precise and grammatically correct English phrase used to identify propositions that lack equity. Ludwig AI analysis shows that while exact matches for the singular form are relatively rare in the provided dataset, the concept is widely utilized across high-authority platforms like The New York Times and The Guardian. It is a versatile term suitable for professional feedback, legal commentary and academic analysis. Writers should distinguish it from more forceful terms like "unreasonable demand" based on the desired level of assertiveness. Overall, it remains a valuable component of the English lexicon for expressing dissatisfaction with imbalanced expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable demand

Stronger and more assertive than a request

unjustified request

Focuses on the lack of supporting reasons or grounds

unwarranted request

Suggests the request has no basis or authority to be made

improper request

Implies a violation of social, professional or ethical standards

inappropriate request

Suggests the request is not suitable for the specific context

undue demand

Suggests excessive or inappropriate pressure is being applied

excessive request

Highlights that the scope or scale of the request is too large

biased request

Focuses on the lack of impartiality or neutrality

unfair solicitation

Often used in legal or formal commercial contexts

unjust petition

More formal and typically used in legal or political settings

FAQs

How do I use "unfair request" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone asks for something unreasonable, for example: "Asking the team to cancel their holiday at the last minute was seen as an "unfair request"."

What is a more formal way to say "unfair request"?

In professional settings, you might prefer "unreasonable demand" or "unjustified proposition" depending on the severity of the situation.

Is "unfair request" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a standard adjective-noun pairing. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in reputable sources like the The New York Times and The Guardian.

What is the difference between an "unfair request" and an "improper request"?

An "unfair request" usually refers to a lack of balance or equity, while an "improper request" often implies a breach of specific rules, protocol or ethics.