Unbiased: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：fair and objective (unbiased)

unbiased 🔊

/ʌnˈbaɪəst/

adj.

Making judgments or decisions without favoring any side, based only on facts and rules.

Unbiased concept illustrated by a judge with balanced scales of justice

fair and objective 🔊

➕

/feər ənd əbˈdʒektɪv/

adj.

Describes a person or decision that is impartial, neutral, and not influenced by personal feelings or prejudices.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From prefix ‘un-’ (not) + ‘biased’ (showing prejudice). Literally ‘not biased’.

💡 Mnemonic

Think ‘UN-BIASED’ as removing a bias (like taking off tinted glasses to see clearly).

📖 Example

In the final match, the referee must remain unbiased, no matter which team he personally supports. 🔊 In the final match, the referee must remain fair and objective, regardless of his personal support for any team.

🔗 Collocations

unbiased opinion – A judgment formed without prejudice or favoritism.

unbiased reporting – Journalism that presents facts neutrally, without distortion.

unbiased analysis – An examination of data or a situation free from personal bias.

🔄 Synonyms

impartial (adj.) – Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair.

neutral (adj.) – Not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement.

objective (adj.) – Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts.

🚫 Antonyms

biased (adj.) – Unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something.

prejudiced (adj.) – Having a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or experience.

partial (adj.) – Favoring one side in a dispute above the other; biased.

🌱 Derivatives

unbiasedly (adv.) – In a fair and impartial manner.

unbiasedness (n.) – The quality or state of being unbiased.

📖 Cultural Story

Emerging in the 17th century, ‘unbiased’ combines ‘un-’ (not) with ‘biased’ (inclined to favor). It reflects Enlightenment ideals of rational judgment, often describing judges, journalists, and scientists who must set aside personal views.