Word
unfairness
Phoneticsun·fair·ness, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈfɛɹnəs/
UK/ʌnfˈeənəs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the quality of being not fair or just. You use this to describe a situation where people are treated differently or where the rules are not followed properly.
n. the quality or state of being unjust, biased, or not in accordance with established rules. Often used to describe systemic or situational inequality.
Examples
“The players complained about the unfairness of the rules.”
“Many employees expressed their frustration over the perceived unfairness of the promotion process.”
“The documentary explores the systemic unfairness of the housing market, highlighting how historical policies continue to disadvantage certain communities today.”
Examples
simple
“The players complained about the unfairness of the rules.”
contextual
“Many employees expressed their frustration over the perceived unfairness of the promotion process.”
complex
“The documentary explores the systemic unfairness of the housing market, highlighting how historical policies continue to disadvantage certain communities today.”
Real-World Examples
“And that started some very tough diplomacy, that ran through the 1970s and the 1980s about the unfairness of the global economic system.” “With regard to the unfairness heaped on today’s graduates, there is a simple answer out there – a (smaller) graduate tax on all graduates.” 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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