unjust

adjective

un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst How to pronounce unjust (audio)
Synonyms of unjust
1
: characterized by injustice : unfair
received an unjust punishment
2
archaic : dishonest, faithless
unjustly adverb
unjustness
ˌən-ˈjəs(t)-nəs How to pronounce unjust (audio)
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.
That doesn’t mean Balogun didn’t think the red card was unjust. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Yet every era also runs the risk of creating an inhumane and more unjust world. — Pope Leo Xiv, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026 My arrest is unjust and arbitrary. — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 June 2026 There are lots of things that can be deemed unjust or imperfect to decide a match within open play; a rogue deflection here, a marginal refereeing call there. — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 June 2026 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

Rhymes for unjust

See All Rhymes for unjust

Browse Nearby Words

unjudicious
unjust
unjustice
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unjust. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
-ˈjəs(t)-nəs How to pronounce unjust (audio)
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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unjust

Nglish: Translation of unjust for Spanish Speakers

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