How to pronounce unfairly
Say it like un-FAIR-lee. Unfairly has three 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 unfairly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- FAIR
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unfairly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of unfairly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: un-FAIR-lee.
What does unfairly mean?
- In a manner that is unfair.“The carnival games were unfairly difficult, and hardly anybody won a prize.”
Where does unfairly come from?
From unfair + -ly or un- + fairly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unfairly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unfairly.
Questions about saying unfairly
How do you pronounce unfairly?
Say un-FAIR-lee. The American pronunciation is /ənˈfɛrli/. In British English it is /ənˈfɛəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unfairly?
Unfairly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FAIR). Broken into parts: un · FAIR · lee.
Is unfairly 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 /ənˈfɛəli/ (un-FAIR-lee).