Word
justified
Phoneticsjus·ti·fied, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒəstəˌfaɪd/
UK/dʒˈʌstɪfˌaɪd/
Definitions
01having a good reason
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a good or fair reason for doing something.
adj. having or shown to have a fair, right, or reasonable basis for an action or belief.
“The teacher felt justified in giving the student a lower grade because the work was late.”
“The board felt justified in their decision to terminate the contract, citing several documented instances of negligence and missed deadlines.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02aligned text
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
adj. text that is straight and even on both the left and right sides of the page.
adj. referring to text where the word spacing is adjusted so that the lines fall even with both margins.
“Please make sure the text in your report is justified so it looks professional.”
“The designer preferred justified text for the brochure, arguing that the clean vertical lines on both margins created a more formal and structured aesthetic.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun or after a linking verb like 'is'.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“But if they have the ability to help, how could refusing be morally justified?” “Asked about the team being booed off at the end, he said: "I think it was justified, to be honest.” “Lewis Hamilton would have been justified in firing off a few expletives himself.” Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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