ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unfairly

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate US //ənˈfɛɹɫi// UK //ʌnfˈeəli// un·fair·ly

adv. in a way that is not right or honest. You use this when someone is treated differently or worse than others for no good reason.

adv. in a manner that lacks justice, equity, or impartiality. Often describes the biased treatment of individuals or the unequal application of rules.


SIMPLE

The teacher treated the students unfairly.

CONTEXTUAL

Many employees felt they were treated unfairly when the bonus was only given to the management team.

COMPLEX

The legal system is often criticized when it appears to punish marginalized groups unfairly while allowing more affluent defendants to escape with minor fines.

Antonyms
Origin

From unfair + -ly or un- + fairly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.

Pitfall

He was unfairly of the decision.He was unhappy with the unfair decision.Learners sometimes confuse the adverb 'unfairly' with the adjective 'unfair' or the noun 'unfairness'.

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