unjust

adjective

un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst How to pronounce unjust (audio)
1
: characterized by injustice : unfair
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.
One month later, District Attorney Bernie Cantorna dismissed the murder charge, saying a retrial would be both impossible and unjust. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025 During the summer of 1768, a riot broke out in Boston, led by laborers, tradesmen, and sailors protesting against these unjust policing practices. Time, 9 Oct. 2025 But the way Arsenal snatched victory (and then a point) from Newcastle United late on at St James’ Park on Sunday did not feel unjust given the balance of play. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 What was done to you was unjust, unfair, racist and wrong. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!