unfair
Meaning
not based on or behaving according to the principles of equality and justice
not following the rules of a game or competition
Structure
Usage
the referee made an unfair decision that cost us the game.
it seems unfair that she gets all the credit for our team's work.
the new tax law was criticized for placing an unfair burden on low-income families.
Etymology
the word 'unfair' is a straightforward english formation combining the native negative prefix 'un-' with the adjective 'fair'. the root 'fair' originates from the old english 'fæger', which carried meanings related to beauty and pleasantness, but also, importantly, to impartiality and justice. this sense of justice became dominant, leading to 'fair' describing equitable treatment. by adding the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', the word directly and logically creates its opposite, describing actions or situations that are unjust, biased, or contrary to established rules of conduct.
Analysis
un- is a prefix of english origin, from old english 'un-', meaning 'not'. fair is an adjective of english origin, from old english 'fæger', meaning 'pleasing, attractive; just, equitable'.