unfairness

UK: ʌnˈfeənəs | US: ʌnˈfernəs

Definition

  1. n. the quality of being unjust or biased

  2. n. lack of fairness or equity

Structure
un <not>fair <just>ness <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "unfairness" combines three morphemes:

  1. "un-" (Old English "un-"), a prefix meaning "not," negates the following root.
  2. "fair" (Old English "fæger"), originally meaning "pleasing, just," evolved to signify impartiality.
  3. "-ness" (Old English "-nes"), a suffix forming abstract nouns indicating a state or quality.
    The term emerged in Middle English, logically progressing from "fair" (just) to its opposite ("unfair") and then abstracted into a noun ("unfairness") to describe the condition of injustice.
Examples

  1. The unfairness of the decision left everyone frustrated.

  2. She spoke out against the unfairness in the grading system.

  3. Legal reforms aim to reduce unfairness in the workplace.

  4. His resignation highlighted the unfairness of corporate policies.

  5. Children have a strong innate sense of unfairness.