unjustified

adjective

un·​jus·​ti·​fied ˌən-ˈjə-stə-ˌfīd How to pronounce unjustified (audio)
: not justified: such as
a
: not demonstrably correct or judicious : not warranted or appropriate
unjustified anger
an unjustified punishment
b
: not spaced to be even
unjustified lines of text
an unjustified margin

Examples of unjustified in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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According to court documents and several former Elkhart officers, their aggressive tactics here targeted citizens, especially Black residents, with harassment, unjustified force and bogus arrests. Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 4 July 2025 However, Gonzales’ parents argue that Gutierrez’s use of lethal force was unjustified. Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Whitehead said tensions are high because of misinformation being shared online calling the police shooting unjustified. Randy Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 On June 10, one week after that Citigroup announcement, the Louisiana Legislature passed the nation’s first state resolution expressing support for efforts by the White House and Congress to end unjustified and politically motivated debanking. Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unjustified

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unjustified was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unjustified.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unjustified. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

unjustified

adjective
un·​jus·​ti·​fied
ˌən-ˈjəs-tə-ˌfīd
: not justified
an unjustified intrusion

More from Merriam-Webster on unjustified

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