fairness

noun

fair·​ness ˈfer-nəs How to pronounce fairness (audio)
: the quality or state of being fair
especially : fair or impartial treatment : lack of favoritism toward one side or another
This is the real Ponzi scheme that does injury to the American promise of fairnessJesse Jackson
The rules reflect the principles of procedural due process and fundamental fairness prescribed by the Constitution … James O. Freedman
… partisan gerrymandering has got so out of hand that it was up to the courts to restore a measure of fairness. Jeffrey Toobin
We are living in the harsh world invented by a handful of corporate raiders whose values are completely foreign to the fairness and moderation that had so long served as the proper foundation of American success and the American dream. Doris Haddock
He did poorly, but in (all) fairness [=to be fair to him], he was tired.

Examples of fairness in a Sentence

a city of incomparable fairness, Venice has enchanted travelers for centuries fairness was certainly uppermost in the elderly woman's mind as she made arrangements for dividing the family heirlooms among her many grandchildren
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.
Once understood as a practical way to create fairness, equity is now being reframed as divisive though the underlying principle driving the work hasn't changed—only who stands to benefit. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 Welch’s decision reflects a commitment to fairness and an understanding that Illinois needs policies rooted in equity and informed by stakeholder input. Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 Our commitment to creating a union that nurtures transparency, respect, and fairness is unwavering. Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025 Ethical decisions should align with company values and prioritize transparency, fairness and sustainability. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fairness 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fairness was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near fairness

Cite this Entry

“Fairness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fairness. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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