# unjustified

/ənˈdʒəstəˌfaɪd/ (US) · /ʌndʒˈʌstɪfˌaɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unjustified
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

not having a good or fair reason. You use this to describe an action or feeling that is not supported by facts.

For teachers: lacking a valid reason or evidence to support a particular action, belief, or feeling. Often used to describe criticism, expenses, or fears that are considered unfair or unnecessary.

## Examples

- The high price of the coffee seems unjustified.
- Many employees felt that the sudden changes to the holiday policy were completely unjustified given the company's recent profits.
- While the initial concern was understandable, the continued surveillance of the population was deemed unjustified by the high court, as it violated fundamental privacy rights without a clear security benefit.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'remain'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.