German word

unfair

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnˌfɛːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunfair

Example

Das ist ein unfaires Spiel.

This is an unfair game.

Illustration for unfair (unfair)

More examples

Viele Zuschauer fanden das Urteil unfair.

Many spectators found the verdict unfair.

Core concept

A game, deal, or decision is tilted against one side instead of giving both sides an even chance.

Common phrases

  • ein unfaires Spiel

    an unfair game

  • eine unfaire Behandlung

    unfair treatment

  • als unfair empfinden

    consider ___ unfair

Similar words

ungerecht: Lacking justice or equal treatment.
parteiisch: Showing favoritism toward one side in a judgment or attitude.
voreingenommen: Influenced by preconceived opinions rather than impartial judgment.

Definition in German

nicht gerecht oder nicht fair handelnd, oft mit Benachteiligung einer Partei

Word origin

German borrowed "unfair" from English, keeping the negative prefix "un-" and the adjective "fair".

Usage tips

  • As an attributive adjective, "unfair" takes normal German endings, as in "ein unfaires Spiel"; predicatively it stays unchanged.

Other meanings

  • underhandedadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Unfairnessunfairnessnoun
  • unfairerweiseunfairlyadverb

Word lists with this word