unjust

adjective

un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst 

1

: characterized by injustice : unfair

received an unjust punishment

2

archaic : dishonest, faithless

unjustly adverb

unjustness

ˌən-ˈjəs(t)-nəs 

noun

Examples of unjust in a Sentence

The convict received an unjust sentence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The anchor’s legal complaint can be traced back to Weber’s 2018 lawsuit, in which Weber sued the anchor and her former partner James Bruce Taylor (the father of Burch’s son) for common count, fraud, conspiracy and unjust enrichment. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

And educators must stand in opposition to the recent round of confusing and unjust immigration policies. — Hannah Harshe, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026

And though some Palestinians were justly fighting to end the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza and to create an independent state, others were waging an unjust war to destroy Israel altogether. — Jordi Graupera, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

The fourth possibility is that Cold War II will end an unjust peace. — David Gibson, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unjust

• adjust
• combust
• discussed
• disgust
• distrust
• entrust
• intrust
• mistrust
• nonplussed
• robust
• sawdust
• stardust

Kids Definition

unjust

adjective

un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst 

ˈən-

: not just : unfair

an unjust way of picking the winner

unjustly adverb

unjustness

-ˈjəs(t)-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

unjust

adjective

un·​just

: characterized by injustice : deficient in justice and fairness

an unjust sentence

unjustly adverb

unjustness noun