unfair
UK: ʌnˈfeə | US: ʌnˈfɛr
Definition
adj. not based on or behaving according to principles of equality and justice
adj. (of a situation or system) giving unjust advantage to one side
Structure
un <not>fair <just, equitable>
Etymology
The word "unfair" combines the Old English prefix "un-" (meaning "not") with the adjective "fair," which derives from Old English "fæger" (pleasing, just). "Fair" originally referred to beauty or pleasantness, later evolving to mean impartiality or justice. The negative prefix "un-" flips the meaning to imply injustice or bias, reflecting a straightforward but powerful linguistic construction to express inequality.
Examples
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