unfairly

adverb

un·​fair·​ly ˌən-ˈfer-lē How to pronounce unfairly (audio)
Synonyms of unfairlynext
: in an unfair manner

Examples of unfairly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trump administration officials say the accelerated calendar is needed to clear a massive backlog; critics call it a tactic to unfairly speed up deportations. — Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 Chinese subsidiaries manufacturing electric vehicles, security inspection equipment, and wind turbines in Europe have all been accused of competing unfairly with local firms by benefiting from Beijing’s subsidies. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026 Too invested in protecting its models and fitting in, the Establishment had unfairly treated exciting subjects like cryonics (humans being frozen for future revival) and self-replicating nanomachines. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Athletes from the high school Class of 2022 whose eligibility ran out after the 2025-26 school year are claiming they are being unfairly denied a fifth year by the NCAA’s decision not to apply the new rule to them. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfairly

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfairly was in 1713

Rhymes for unfairly

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Browse Nearby Words

unfair list
unfairly
unfair method of competition
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfairly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfairly. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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