adjective

biased

/ˈbaɪəst/ · say it: BY·ust

unfairly favoring one side

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (adjective) unfairly favoring one person, group, or opinion over another because of personal preference or prejudice

2. (adjective) showing an unreasonable preference for or against something

Examples

1. The judge was accused of being biased toward the defendant's family.
2. The report contained biased information that didn't fairly represent both sides of the debate.

How to use biased

Biased describes a systematic inclination toward unfairness or preference, often stemming from prejudice or limited perspective. It is commonly used in academic, professional, and social contexts to critique decision-making, media coverage, or scientific methodology. Unlike prejudiced, which emphasizes preconceived negative opinions, biased is more neutral in tone and broader in application—you can be biased toward something positive as well.

Common phrases

biased against
biased towards
biased reporting
biased sample
cultural bias
unconscious bias

Synonyms

prejudiced · partial · one-sided · unfair · slanted

Opposites

unbiased · impartial · objective

Word family

bias (noun) · biased (adjective) · unbiased (adjective) · unbias (verb, rare)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use biased as an adverb (e.g., 'he spoke biased') when they should use the adverbial form 'biasedly' or rephrase with 'in a biased manner'; biased is primarily an adjective.

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