What does "justification" mean?

1. (a reason or excuse) a good reason or explanation that shows why something is right or fair. 2. (text alignment) the way lines of text are lined up on the left, right, or both sides of a page. 3. (religious forgiveness) the act of being made right with God or having sins forgiven.

How do you use "justification"?

Often followed by the preposition 'for' or an infinitive 'to'. Commonly used with 'left', 'right', or 'full'. Usually uncountable in this theological context.

justification

US //ˌdʒəstəfəˈkeɪʃən// UK //dʒˌʌstɪfɪkˈeɪʃən// jus·ti·fi·ca·tion

1 a reason or excuse (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a good reason or explanation that shows why something is right or fair.

a reason, explanation, or excuse that provides convincing or morally acceptable support for a belief or action.

Example

There is no justification for treating people so unkindly.

Example

The board requested a detailed justification for the sudden increase in the project budget before they would approve further funding.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' or an infinitive 'to'.
2 text alignment (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

the way lines of text are lined up on the left, right, or both sides of a page.

the adjustment of spacing between words or characters so that text is aligned to one or both margins.

Example

The document looks more professional with full justification on both sides.

Example

The designer argued that left justification improves readability on mobile screens compared to forced full justification.

Usage

Commonly used with 'left', 'right', or 'full'.
- alignment

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3 religious forgiveness (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Religion

the act of being made right with God or having sins forgiven.

the action of declaring or making a person righteous in the sight of God.

Example

The priest spoke about the justification of the soul through faith.

Example

The central debate of the Reformation concerned the nature of justification and whether it was achieved through faith alone or through good works.

Usage

Usually uncountable in this theological context.

Teacher's tip

This is a highly specialised term in Christian theology; most learners will only encounter it in academic or religious texts.
- absolution
- redemption
- condemnation

Origin

From Middle English justificacioun, justification, from Middle French justification, from Late Latin iustificationem, justificationem < iustificatio, from iustifico, from Latin iustus.