n.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )in- ' j ə s-t ə s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin injustitia, from injustus unjust, from in- + justus just
Date: 14th century
1 : absence of justice : violation of right or of the rights of another : UNFAIRNESS
2 : an unjust act : WRONG
synonyms 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 specif. 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 >.