Word
unjust
Phoneticsun·just, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈdʒəst/
UK/ʌndʒˈʌst/
Definition
adj. not fair or right. You use this to describe a situation or rule where someone is treated badly for no good reason.
adj. not based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair. Often used to describe legal systems, social conditions, or specific decisions that violate principles of equity.
Examples
“The judge's decision felt very unjust to the family.”
“Many citizens protested against the new tax, arguing it was unjust to those with the lowest incomes.”
“The historian argued that the treaty was fundamentally unjust, as it imposed heavy penalties on a population that had no say in the conflict's origin.”
Examples
simple
“The judge's decision felt very unjust to the family.”
contextual
“Many citizens protested against the new tax, arguing it was unjust to those with the lowest incomes.”
complex
“The historian argued that the treaty was fundamentally unjust, as it imposed heavy penalties on a population that had no say in the conflict's origin.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“Speaking on BBC Breakfast earlier this year, Goodburn described how trials around the world are not being seen in the UK which is "unfair and unjust".” Etymology
From un- + just.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unjust