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unjust

adjective

un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst How to pronounce unjust (audio)
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.
Lee’s lawyers on Wednesday argued that a life sentence would be unjust given her mental health issues, but prosecutors said there was no evidence Lee was suicidal at the time of the killings, the New Zealand Herald newspaper reported. Reuters 14 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025 The multi-viewpoint story unfolds during a pivotal moment for the Palestinian people, the beginning of a three-year uprising against the British Empire’s increasingly unjust rule and the impact of settlers fleeing anti-Jewish persecution in Europe. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 26 Nov. 2025 Far from being necessary, these purported 'reviews' and 'reinterviews' are a pretext for the administration’s broader unjust and discriminatory objectives. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025 The government had sued over the Rams relocating back to Los Angeles, with claims of breach of contract, fraud, tortious interference and unjust enrichment. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unjust. Accessed 2 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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