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

Experts argue that while autism doesn't excuse criminal acts, failing to understand its impact risks confusing impaired social reasoning with criminal intent, leading to unjust outcomes. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Businesses have several potential defenses, such as arguing that there can be no unjust enrichment when there is a contract between the parties. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

The artists accuse the gallery of unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and violations of New York’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Law. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 20 July 2026

To eject him not only from the match for an action that merited a yellow card at most, but to disqualify him from the next match as well, was patently unjust. — Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 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