How to pronounce unfair
Say it like uhn-FAIR. Unfair has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unfair. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- FAIR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unfair pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- FAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of unfair
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: un-FAIR.
What does unfair mean?
- not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception“used unfair methods”“it was an unfair trial”
Where does unfair come from?
From Middle English unfair (“unattractive, unseemly”), from Old English unfæġer (“ugly”), equivalent to un- + fair.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unfair
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unfair.
Questions about saying unfair
How do you pronounce unfair?
Say uhn-FAIR. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnˈfɛr/. In British English it is /ʌnˈfɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unfair?
Unfair has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FAIR). Broken into parts: uhn · FAIR.
Is unfair pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ʌnˈfɛə/ (un-FAIR).