# unfair

/ˈənˈfɛɹ/ (US) · /ʌnfˈeə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unfair
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. not just or equal

adjective · CEFR B1

not right or honest because it treats people differently or breaks the rules.

For teachers: not based on or behaving according to the principles of equality and justice.

- It is unfair that some students had more time to finish the test than others.
- The employees argued that the new promotion policy was inherently unfair because it favoured those with personal connections over those with higher performance ratings.

### 2. not beautiful

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

not pretty or attractive.

For teachers: lacking in physical beauty or aesthetic appeal.

- In the old story, the cruel queen became unfair and wrinkled as she grew older.
- The poet lamented how time's cold hand would eventually render even the most radiant face unfair and withered.

Usage: In this sense, 'unfair' is the direct opposite of the archaic meaning of 'fair' as 'beautiful'.

## Examples

- It is unfair that some students get more time than others.
- The workers went on strike because they felt the new pay cuts were completely unfair.
- Critics argued that the proposed tax law was fundamentally unfair, as it placed a disproportionate financial burden on low-income families while offering loopholes for the wealthy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.