injustice

noun

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

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ben & Jerry’s first brought legal action against Unilever in November 2024, claiming the parent company was muzzling statements Ben & Jerry’s wanted to release on injustices worldwide. — Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025 But the only way our leaders should approach the Alien Enemies Act in the modern day is by acknowledging the fundamental injustice of wartime internment and expulsions and by working to repeal the law, not resurrecting it to devastate the lives of other immigrants who call this country home. — Karen Ebel, TIME, 17 Mar. 2025 Despite this injustice, relentless pressure from the FBI prevented Peltier from accessing parole for decades. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025 In 2020, California established a first-of-its-kind reparations task force to examine the state’s history of racial injustice and recommend policy solutions. — C. Anthony Muse, Baltimore Sun, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for injustice

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

Phrases Containing injustice

Rhymes for injustice

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Browse Nearby Words

injustice
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Cite this Entry

“Injustice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/injustice. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of injustice for Spanish Speakers

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