Words / A2

un-FAIR/ˌʌnˈfeə/

Unfair means not treating people equally, or not right: unfair rules, it is unfair to, an unfair advantage. Fair is the opposite. Unkind is about feelings; unfair is about justice or equal treatment. Foul is for sport cheating — related idea. Do not write unfair when you mean unfairly (adverb), or airfare.

Meaning

Not treating people equally, or not right.

Examples

• “It is unfair to blame only one person.”
• “Sharing one prize among ten people feels unfair.”
• “The referee’s decision was unfair, in our view.”

Good to know

it is unfair to / an unfair advantage. Opposite: fair. Contrast: unkind (feelings). Mix-up: airfare.

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