Unjust
/ʌnˈdʒʌst/
Definitions
Lacking fairness or righteousness; not in accordance with what is morally right or fair.
/ʌnˈdʒʌst/
Not fair or right; violating principles of justice
The company's unjust labor practices led to worker strikes.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and someone cheats. That's unfair, or unjust. Like, it's unjust if you get punished for something you didn't do.
👶 For kids: When something is unjust, it means it's not fair. Like if someone takes your toy without asking, that's not fair and it's unjust!
More Examples
The punishment was completely unjust given the minor offense.
The system allowed for unjust distribution of wealth.
How It's Used
"The court ruled that the law was unjust."
"Many protested the unjust treatment of minorities."
Idioms & expressions
an unjust world
A world characterized by unfairness, inequality, and injustice.
"Many works of literature depict an unjust world where the innocent suffer."
From Middle English *unjuste*, from Old French *injuste*, from Latin *iniustus* ('unjust'), from *in-* ('not') + *iustus* ('just').
The term 'unjust' has been used since the Middle Ages to describe actions and laws that violate principles of fairness and equity.
Memory tip
Think of 'un-' as meaning 'not' and 'just' as fair. So, unjust is 'not fair'.