Phrase guide

fair share

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /fɛə ʃɛə/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /fɛː ʃɛə/
  • General-American: /fɛɚ ʃɛɚ/
  • rhymes with -ɛə(ɹ)

1

noun

Meaning 1

An equitable or reasonable portion, especially in regards to contributions towards a particular duty, or the dividends thereof.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • As the company had no dedicated janitor, all employees were expected to do their fair share of cleaning up after lunch.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A significant amount, often implied to be excessive or inordinate; a great deal of something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, uncountable

Examples

  • He endured a fair share of criticism during his lifetime, but his works are now universally considered to be masterpieces.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

First attested in the mid-1600s.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: należyta część — equitable portion
  • Polish: spora ilość — significant or excessive amount