unjust

The word unjust describes something that lacks justice, meaning it is unfair, unequal, or morally wrong. It goes beyond simply being unpleasant. An unjust situation breaks basic ideas of what is right and fair.

You might describe a law as unjust if it discriminates against certain groups of people, or a punishment as unjust if it is far too severe for the crime committed. Many social movements have fought against unjust systems. For example, the Civil Rights Movement fought against racial segregation, which was deeply unjust.

The idea of justice can be complex, but at its core, unjust suggests that someone is being denied their rights or is not being treated equally. The word is often used in legal and political contexts, but it can also apply to personal situations. If a friend takes credit for your work, that would feel unjust.

You can use unjust for both large public problems and smaller everyday situations. An unjust policy may harm whole groups of people, while an unjust decision at home, school, or work may hurt one person in a way that feels clearly wrong. When something violates a strong sense of fairness and right treatment, unjust is often the right word.