fairness

[fair-nis]

noun

1. the state, condition, or quality of being fair, or free from bias or injustice; evenhandedness.

   I have to admit, in all fairness, that she would only be paid for part of the work.

2. the quality of being light of hair or complexion.

   Due to the fairness of her skin, she had to wear extra sunscreen even in the winter.

   One of the traits that he got from his father was the fairness of his hair.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fairness¹

fair ¹ + -ness

Example Sentences

He said there needed to be more focus on "fairness, compassion and justice", adding he was worried about the impact of increasingly divisive rhetoric.

Read more on BBC

"If you see that level of abuse, it undermines your immigration system. It undermines public confidence, and the fairness and control people expect."

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They mirror student satisfaction or perceived fairness and are often biased.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In fairness to England's bowlers, they were hit by one of the great Ashes innings by Travis Head.

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Players are required to wear blindfolds for fairness.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• candor 
• civility 
• decency 
• decorum 
• equity 
• honesty 
• humanity 
• impartiality 
• integrity 
• legitimacy 
• moderation 
• propriety 
• rationality 
• righteousness 
• suitability 
• tolerance 
• truth 
• veracity