injustice

noun

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

Synonyms of injustice

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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.
Movie night this past week was Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River, an absolutely devastating neo-Western that examines the injustice many Native American women face on and off the reservation. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 In the years that followed, athletes increasingly used their platforms to speak out against racial injustice and police brutality, especially after the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 triggered global protests. — Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Conceived as the female counterpart to Superman and Batman, the heroine is an Amazon who fights against injustice and the forces of evil, driven by an ideal of equality and peace. — Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus founded the Happy Hippie Foundation to fight injustices facing homeless and LGBTQ youth as well as other vulnerable populations. — Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 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

injust
injustice
in justification of
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Cite this Entry

“Injustice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/injustice. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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
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