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

Every few months, James Knowles receives an email saying he’ll soon be updated on efforts to address a 63-year-old injustice. —Ara Rosenthal, Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2026

Barring some unforeseen injustice, Buckley is going to win a best actress Oscar this month. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

Briana Pozner Vigilantes – Shaken by the injustice of his mother’s death, 15-year-old Mikey joins a covert group of neurodivergent outsiders, donning shoddy superhero personas, in their mission to overthrow their local police department. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2026

Their exclusion is seen as a major injustice by French officials, who are now pushing to ensure France becomes the nation that welcomes them back when the country hosts the 2030 Games in the Alps. —ABC News, 2 Mar. 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