injustice

noun

in·​jus·​tice (ˌ)in-ˈjə-stəs How to pronounce injustice (audio)
1
: absence of justice : violation of right or of the rights of another : unfairness
2
: an unjust act : wrong
Choose the Right Synonym for injustice

injustice, injury, wrong, grievance mean an act that inflicts undeserved hurt.

injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights.

the injustices suffered by the lower classes

injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation.

libel constitutes a legal injury

wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice.

determined to right society's wrongs

grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint.

a list of employee grievances

Examples of injustice in a Sentence

The organization is devoted to fighting economic injustice. The law is part of an effort to correct an old injustice.
Recent Examples on the Web The brutal visual testimony shed light on injustices that Black communities had been protesting for years. Ebony Flake, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024 The Prime Minister acknowledged that a lack of rule of law can breed corruption and injustice, hampering the country's progress. Zenger News, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 In late 2020, George Floyd’s murder in police custody in Minneapolis sparked global protests against racial injustice, leading to the toppling of statues commemorating the Confederacy. Luis Antonio Rojas, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 Erik Ortiz Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality. Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2024 Sometimes the obstacle is another person, who might challenge progress through resistance or injustice, such as a boss who does not give a deserved pay raise. Heather Lench, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2024 Just as fear of crime led to tougher laws, stories of resulting injustices (a man whose third strike was stealing pizza) and police abuses led to a flurry of criminal-justice reforms. Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 16 Feb. 2024 Parents should also emphasize the importance of speaking up against injustice. Tyler Gildin, Parents, 17 Feb. 2024 There are no monsters here — even Hilde’s Nazi guards treat her kindly and complain about the injustice of her trial — only flawed ordinary people, some braver than others. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'injustice.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin injustitia, from injustus unjust, from in- + justus just

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of injustice was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near injustice

Cite this Entry

“Injustice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/injustice. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

injustice

noun
in·​jus·​tice (ˈ)in-ˈjəs-təs How to pronounce injustice (audio)
1
: violation of the rights of another : unfairness
2
: an unjust act

Legal Definition

injustice

noun
in·​jus·​tice
1
: absence of justice : violation of what is considered right and just or of the rights of another
2
: an unjust act

More from Merriam-Webster on injustice

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