unjust

adjective

un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst How to pronounce unjust (audio)
Synonyms of unjustnext
1
: characterized by injustice : unfair
received an unjust punishment
2
archaic : dishonest, faithless
unjustly adverb
unjustness noun

Examples of unjust in a Sentence

The convict received an unjust sentence.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moraes further abused his position to authorize unjust pre-trial detentions and undermine freedom of expression. CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025 But this view is increasingly at odds with the shocking headlines and viral videos of detentions many Americans see as unjust or overly violent. Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025 Civil and disability rights advocacy groups have argued forcefully against increasing rates of conservatorship, asserting that taking away a person’s rights is often unnecessary and unjust. Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025 The policy was borne from Rosen’s determination that the death penalty was unjust and that pursuing death penalty cases was impractical given a state moratorium on capital punishment and the literal dismantling of the physical death row at at San Quentin State Prison. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unjust

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unjust. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

unjust

adjective
un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst How to pronounce unjust (audio)
ˈən-
: not just : unfair
an unjust way of picking the winner
unjustly adverb
unjustness noun

Legal Definition

unjust

adjective
un·​just
: characterized by injustice : deficient in justice and fairness
an unjust sentence
unjustly adverb
unjustness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unjust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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