unjust

adjective

un·​just ˌən-ˈjəst How to pronounce unjust (audio)
Synonyms of unjustnext
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.
The lawsuit alleges breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026 The court dismissed most of the defamation claims against Rhoades and the university but has yet to rule on motions to dismiss the unjust enrichment claims. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 Apr. 2026 Musk's claims include breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment. Deepa Seetharaman, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026 The government says the hardship is the consequence of an unjust war inflicted on Iranians by the US and Israel. Tim Lister, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unjust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unjust. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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

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