Unfaire

Unfaire is a German adjective form meaning not fair. It is derived from the base adjective unfair with the negating prefix un- and is used to describe people, actions, decisions or practices that do not meet standards of fairness in behavior or treatment. In everyday language, unfair conduct is a common subject of critique, debate and legal or ethical discussion.

In usage, unfaire appears most often in attributive position directly before a feminine singular noun or before plural nouns without an article. Examples include eine unfaire Entscheidung (an unfair decision), eine unfaire Behandlung (an unfair treatment), and unfaire Praktiken (unfair practices). When adjectives are declined under other grammatical conditions, the corresponding forms of unfair are used, for instance with a definite article or with masculine or neuter nouns in different cases, or in predicative position where the word often remains unfair (das ist unfair).

Etymologically, unfair derives from fair, which in German is a loanword that entered the language to denote just, honorable or equitable conduct. The prefix un- negates that sense, producing the opposite meaning. The term is widely used across media, law, sports and everyday speech to condemn biased, exploitative or unequal treatment.

Related concepts include fairness (Gerechtigkeit), unfairness (Ungerechtigkeit) and related phrases such as fair play or die Fairness. While unfairness typically carries a negative judgement, discussions may explore the contexts in which different standards of fairness apply, including cultural, legal or organizational norms.