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

More than once, his white planter friends stood by him in court and kept him from unjust imprisonment and even execution. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

This unjust decision must be overturned by the Supreme Court in its entirety. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026

Recommendations from the Russell City Reparative Justice Project were used as a framework to establish a joint redress fund for former residents and their descendants, one that could finally compensate them for the county’s unjust policies. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

This may be especially true when demands to condemn Mangione appear to ignore inequities within an American health insurance system perceived as corrupt and unjust. — Evan Clarkson, The Conversation, 6 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