Main Entry: in·jus·tice

Pronunciation: \(ˌ)in-ˈjəs-təs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin injustitia, from injustus unjust, from in- + justus just

Date: 14th century

1 : absence of justice : violation of right or of the rights of another : unfairness
2 : an unjust act : wrong

synonyms injustice, injury, wrong, grievance mean an act that inflicts undeserved hurt. injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights <the injustices suffered by the lower classes>. injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation <libel constitutes a legal injury>. wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice <determined to right society's wrongs>. grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint <a list of employee grievances>.