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

• inequity
• unfairness
• unjustness

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

Example Sentences

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

After bitching in her confessional, Anastasia begins recounting the story of this grave injustice to all the other women on the date. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 14 Feb. 2023

As such, the next step will likely be to take legal action to fight this injustice. —Matt Allen, ABC News, 31 Jan. 2023

There's an oversaturation of recent entertainment projects based on racial injustice, Robertson adds, suggesting that filmmakers should be conscious about the release dates of heavier movies. —Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2022

Biden, who was propelled through the 2020 primary largely thanks to his strong support from Black voters, has made a point of speaking out on a racial injustice and promised that equity would be a hallmark of his administration. —Eli Stokolsstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2022

The killing, captured in bystander video, sparked protests worldwide and a reckoning on racial injustice. —Steve Karnowski, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Aug. 2022

The killing, captured on bystander video, sparked protests worldwide and a reckoning on racial injustice. —Steve Karnowski, ajc, 15 Aug. 2022

The killing, captured on bystander video, sparked protests worldwide and a reckoning on racial injustice. —CBS News, 15 Aug. 2022

Critical race theory was originally discussed at a Elmbrook School Board meeting in May 2021 after a group of 1,400 Elmbrook School District alumni signed a petition seeking to improve education on racial injustice in schools in June 2020. —Beck Andrew Salgado, Journal Sentinel, 14 July 2022

See More

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

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

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