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.
As the pillars of this tale, these three cling to their humanity in a deeply unjust world. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026 During the waiting time, more than a few orchids have met an unjust demise, whether through overwatering or underwatering. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 Neighbors who won’t report a crime to the police for fear of unjust detention. Peter Cook, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services and a noted conservative, declared that the war with Iran is unjust. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unjust. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

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

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