“Fair Share” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “fair share” is often used in everyday conversation and writing. This reference covers its meaning, examples of usage, and alternative expressions.

You’ll also see examples of how to use this phrase properly and find other ways to express the same idea. By the end of this reference, you will be confident in using “fair share” correctly and understand the various alternatives to express the same idea.

Fair Share Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “fair share” means the total negative or positive amount of something that someone deserves or is entitled to receive or have in a situation. The phrase is often proceeded by the words “more than” to indicate someone has received more than they should have.
Fair Share Meaning
Fair Share Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Fair Share Meaning

The phrase “fair share” refers to an amount of something (such as work, responsibility, or benefits) that is considered reasonable, just, or appropriate for a particular person or group. It implies that everyone involved is receiving or contributing their proportionate or equitable part based on what is deemed fair.

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase “fair share” is simply two words paired together based on their meanings to make the meaning of the phrase. The definition of the word fair here is used as an adverb to mean don’t cheat and take more than you are entitled to.

The word “share” in this phrase is used in this phrase as a noun to mean an equal part of something. Used in combination it means that you have received the right amount or part of something without cheating and taking more than you deserve. The word fair has been used in this sense since 1776 and share has been used since the 1590s. One can only assume that the phrase “fair share” began being used after 1776.

Usage of “Fair Share”

Here are some examples of how to use the phrase “fair share” in different contexts:

  1. Workplace: “Everyone in the team needs to contribute their fair share to complete this project on time.”
  2. Family or Household: “During the holidays, each family member is responsible for preparing their fair share of the meal.”
  3. Financial: “It’s important that everyone contributes their fair share to the community fund.”
  4. Social Responsibilities: “We all have to do our fair share to protect the environment.”
  5. General Use: “I think we’ve waited our fair share of time, so let’s go ahead with the decision.”

Related Terms to “Fair Share”

  • Equitable Share – A portion that is fairly distributed based on a person’s needs or contributions.
  • Proportionate Share – A share that is allocated in proportion to each individual’s contribution, involvement, or responsibility.
  • Just Share – An amount that is considered morally or legally fair and just for a person or group.
  • Equal Share – A portion that is equally divided among all participants.
  • Obligation – A duty or responsibility that one must fulfill, often in a fair and just manner.
  • Contribution – The act of giving or doing one’s part toward a common goal or task.
  • Responsibility – A duty or task that one is expected to take on, often shared among multiple people.
  • Quota – A fixed share or limit that a person or group is entitled to or expected to provide.
  • Stake – A share or interest in an enterprise or decision, usually related to financial or personal investment.
  • Entitlement – The belief or right to receive something as part of a fair share.

Other Ways to Say “Fair Share”

As is the case with most phrases, the phrase “fair share” can be said is many different ways. Some of the other ways you can say this phrase and convey the same meaning include:

  • Your equal portion of something
  • The correct amount of something
  • The amount that you deserve and no more

“Fair Share” Examples

Example Statements

An actress speaking on the red carpet during an interview.

  • “I have been around a while and have received more than my fair share of attention. I enjoy it though!”

A statement made in a local news report about a family.

  • “This family has seen more than their fair share of misfortune.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between a mother and her daughter.

  • Daughter: Mom, can I have some more cake?
  • Mother: No, Sabrina, you may not.
  • Daughter: Why can’t I?
  • Mother: Because your father and brother haven’t had any yet and you have had your fair share.

A conversation between two co-workers in the office.

  • Co-worker 1: I think you should take credit for the project being done on time.
  • Co-worker 2: What? I don’t deserve that. You did most of the work.
  • Co-worker 1: I’ve been with the company for years. I have received my fair share of recognition. You truly deserve this. Stop being so humble.

Helpful examples:

  • I’ve had more than my fair share of troubles in my time.
  • We’ve all paid our fair share except Portia, who’s never got any money.
  • He’d had more than his fair share of adventure.
  • She has done her fair share of globetrotting.
  • The idealistic arm of animal protectionism also includes its fair share of extremists, such as the now-infamous Animal Liberation Front.
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