unfair
/ʌnˈfɛː
/adjective
1Not based on or behaving according to the principles of equality and justice: at times like these the legal system appears inhuman and unfair it would be unfair to blame her for the situation...
- The judge added it was premature and unfair to reach conclusions based on the State's summary of its case.
- As a matter of personal philosophy, he thinks that judging a site based on links is unfair.
- It's going to seem a bit unfair banning Americans for behaving like Americans if everyone else is doing so.
Synonyms
unjust, inequitable, prejudiced, biased, discriminatory;
preferential, one-sided, unequal, uneven, unbalanced, non-objective, partisan, partial, intolerant, bigoted, coloured, distorted, warped, loaded, weighted, slanted
undeserved, unmerited, uncalled for, unreasonable, unjustified, unjustifiable, unwarrantable, out of proportion, disproportionate, excessive, extreme, immoderate
informal a bit much
British informal off, a bit thick
1.1Not following the rules of a game or sport: he was sent off for unfair play...
- The axiom is that golf was never meant to be a fair game, so then the natural response is when does it become an unfair game?
- Thus the chances of his winning the game is sabotaged by unfair meddling.
- They began to shout of the rules and of unfair play, and Abigail sighed with relief.
Synonyms
unsporting, foul, unsportsmanlike, dirty, below the belt, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, underhand, unscrupulous, dishonourable
informal crooked, low-down
Origin
Old English unfæger 'not beautiful' (see un-1, fair1).