injustice

noun

in·​jus·​tice (ˌ)in-ˈjə-stəs 

1

: absence of justice : violation of right or of the rights of another : unfairness

2

: an unjust act : wrong

Synonyms of injustice

• inequity
• unfairness

Choose the Right Synonym for injustice

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

Examples of injustice in a Sentence

The organization is devoted to fighting economic injustice.

The law is part of an effort to correct an old injustice.

Recent Examples on the Web

What was seen as the injustice of her ignominious end on the gallows was at least one factor of many that propelled a move to war. —Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

For a man competing in just his second pro boxing match against the lineal champion, being denied those final three minutes is the real injustice here. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Statehood for Puerto Rico would immediately resolve this injustice, and every lawmaker that publicly supports our troops and veterans should fundamentally support Puerto Rico statehood. —Nathaniel Morell Gonzalez, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026

In contrast to the sense of injustice felt by some players, the omissions of Foden and Palmer may have seemed contentious in theory but, in reality, caused only a minor stir. —Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing injustice

• do an injustice to (someone or something)
• do (someone or something) an injustice

Rhymes for injustice

• justice

Kids Definition

injustice

noun

in·​jus·​tice (ˈ)in-ˈjəs-təs 

1

: violation of the rights of another : unfairness

2

: an unjust act

Legal Definition

injustice

noun

in·​jus·​tice

1

: absence of justice : violation of what is considered right and just or of the rights of another

2

: an unjust act