Word
unfairly
Phoneticsun·fair·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈfɛɹɫi/
UK/ʌnfˈeəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“The teacher treated the students unfairly.”
“Many employees felt they were treated unfairly when the bonus was only given to the management team.”
“The legal system is often criticized when it appears to punish marginalized groups unfairly while allowing more affluent defendants to escape with minor fines.”
Examples
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.”
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'.
Etymology
From unfair + -ly or un- + fairly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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