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

Kosovo has criticized the verdicts as unjust, maintaining that the KLA, which Thaci had led before entering politics, fought against Serbian oppression. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

If the act is a cruel and unjust law, stealing from working Americans in order to feed the insatiable greed of the billionaire class, what can can average Americans do about it? — Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

The game shifted on a play that will be seen as controversial and unjust by some — and certainly by Saints fans. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

But this mission ends with the unjust, unceremonious murder of a sister in arms and an empty home to return to. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 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