Unfair Meaning
Unfair Definition & Usage
Lacking justice, impartiality, or fairness, especially when something is distributed or done in an unequal or biased manner.
Examples
- "It's unfair that some people have to work harder for less pay."
- "The judge's decision was seen as unfair by the defense team."
- "I don’t think it’s fair to expect her to do all the work while the others do nothing. That’s just unfair."
- "The teacher gave the group with the best project the lowest score, which seemed unfair to the others."
- "It’s unfair that the rules of the game keep changing every time I make a move."
Used to express dissatisfaction or frustration when something does not go as expected or desired, especially in a situation that feels arbitrary or capricious.
Examples
- "It feels so unfair that I missed the train when I was on time!"
- "You know it’s unfair how he gets all the attention just for being famous."
- "Why is it always unfair when the one who works the hardest gets the least recognition?"
- "She thinks it’s unfair that others always get more chances to speak during meetings."
- "It’s unfair how people always assume I’m not serious because of my age."
Cultural Context
The term 'unfair' has been widely used in both social and legal contexts to describe actions, policies, or situations that deviate from accepted standards of justice and equity. It is especially prevalent in discussions of inequality, discrimination, and social justice movements.
The Unfair Game
Story
The Unfair Game
Sophie had always been the fastest runner in her school, but the school's annual race day was about to challenge her sense of fairness. This year, the principal decided to change the rules and announced that the winner would be chosen not based on who ran the fastest, but who could make the biggest splash in the pool at the end of the race. Sophie had always felt that racing was a test of skill and hard work, not arbitrary elements like style or crowd reaction. As the race began, she pushed herself hard, but as she neared the pool, she saw her classmate, Tom, with a massive cannonball dive, making the largest splash. Sophie felt her stomach drop. She had worked so hard, but the rules had been changed in a way that didn’t feel fair. Her effort seemed meaningless compared to Tom's dramatic entry. When the results were announced, Tom was declared the winner. Sophie was furious. 'This is so unfair!' she shouted. 'I was the fastest!' Her friends nodded, agreeing with her. But the principal only smiled, 'It’s all about what gets the crowd’s attention, Sophie. Life isn’t always fair, you know.' That evening, Sophie couldn't help but reflect on the words. Was life really unfair, or did it just seem so when the rules suddenly changed? As much as she hated the feeling of being treated unfairly, she realized there was a bigger lesson in how unfairness often shapes how we perceive the world around us. The next year, Sophie would take that lesson with her, ready for anything that might be thrown her way.
Related Words
