What does injustice mean?
Injustice is the unfair treatment of a person or group, especially through denial of legal rights, equal opportunity, or fair consideration. It can refer to injustice as a general condition, as in widespread racial or economic injustice, or to a specific instance, as in an isolated but serious act of injustice. The word is used in both legal and moral contexts and commonly conveys that rules, institutions, or decisions are being applied unfairly. Unlike terms such as unfairness, which may be used for an imbalance that is not necessarily deliberate, injustice more strongly suggests a violation of rights or standards of justice. It is especially common in public debate, social justice, legal advocacy, education, and human-rights discourse. Although injustice can be a matter of individual wrongdoing, it often describes systemic patterns, including discriminatory institutions and laws that disadvantage particular groups.
nounUnfair treatment or the denial of rights, equal opportunity, or justice. The term can also refer to a particular instance or act of unfairness.
- Unfair treatment, discrimination, or the denial of equal rights and justice.
- A particular instance or act of unfairness.
"The protesters demanded an end to the injustice suffered by communities denied fair access to healthcare."
"The policy was condemned as a profound injustice against minority-owned businesses."
"She described years of institutional injustice that had never been properly investigated."
Used when referring to separate acts or instances of unfair treatment.
"The court has documented numerous injustices against vulnerable witnesses."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does injustice come from?
Injustice comes from the prefix in- and the Latin adjective justus, meaning fair, just, or lawful. The same root underlies English words such as just, justice, justify, and adjust. Injustice developed in English as a noun meaning unfair treatment or a violation of justice, with senses broadly established by the early 17th century.
Related word forms
How injustice is actually used
Usually neutral in tone but strongly evaluative. It may be used as an uncountable noun for the general concept, or as a count noun for a specific instance.
Easily confused with injustice
Injustice emphasizes unfair treatment or the denial of justice, while iniquity more often describes moral wickedness or a deeply corrupt act.