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 judge of all the earth cannot be so unjust as to punish the guilty and the innocent alike! — Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026

But for Salvadorans who have lived in the United States for decades, worked here, paid taxes here and raised families here, the endless cycle of temporary extensions and looming expiration dates has become profoundly unjust. — Randy Jurado Ertll, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026

These girls make mistakes and learn lessons while living in unfair, unequal and unjust societies in need of change. — Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Rodriguez hopes voters connect instead with his vision for the office — one of an attorney general who takes on unjust landlords and multimillion-dollar corporations, especially those in the insurance and utility industries. — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 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