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 These are the 25 true snubs and unjust losses that Times film critics, columnists, writers and editors still can’t get over. The New York Times Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Before the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, the lack of access to the ballot box was characterized by activists as something that was humiliating, degrading and unjust. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2024 Marks called the move an unjust and unfair double standard. Richard Fowler, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The resulting film — while largely morose, in spite of its occasional radiance — is a radically honest look at how unjust structures negotiate the value of bodies, and rob people of their dignity, even in death. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 26 Feb. 2024 The lawsuit filed in U.S. district court for the Southern district of New York names Kimmel, ABC, and the Walt Disney Co. as defendants and alleges copyright infringement, fraud, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment. Shania Russell, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2024 Speaking on behalf of Pennington, Pastor Andre Miller, vice president of the Arizona state conference of the NAACP, called the jury verdicts against Pennington unjust. The Arizona Republic, 10 Feb. 2024 Historically liberal Hong Kong was the happy creation of an unjust imperial British war against the decrepit Chinese empire over the rights of opium merchants. Doug Bandow, National Review, 10 Feb. 2024 Ignoring that and the factors that drive cooperation as well as competition lead to a cardboard caricature society that is both unjust and unproductive. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unjust.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unjust

Cite this Entry

“Unjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unjust. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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