Injustice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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injustice
[ɪnˈʤʌstɪs ]
Definitions
social
Lack of fairness or justice; the violation of the rights of others; unfair treatment.
Synonyms
discrimination, inequity, unfairness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| injustice |
Used when referring to a situation where something is morally or legally wrong, often on a larger scale such as social or systemic issues.
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| unfairness |
Often used in everyday situations to describe something that is not just or equitable, typically on a smaller scale or more personal level.
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| inequity |
Used to describe a lack of fairness or justice, particularly in terms of unequal distribution of resources or opportunities.
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| discrimination |
Refers specifically to unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics like race, gender, age, or religion.
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Examples of usage
- The protest was against the injustice of the legal system.
- Many people suffer from economic injustices in society.
legal
Violation of the rights of others; a wrongful act.
Synonyms
unjust act, violation, wrongdoing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| injustice |
Use when referring to a general situation, event, or condition that is unfair or lacking in justice.
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| wrongdoing |
Used to describe general unethical or illegal behavior, often less formal than 'violation'.
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| unjust act |
Better used when describing a specific action or deed that is unfair or morally wrong.
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| violation |
Suitable when referring to breaking a rule, law, or agreement. This word has a strong legal connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The lawyer fought against the injustice done to her client.
- The verdict was a clear example of injustice.
historical
Oppression or exploitation of individuals or groups; a situation where rights are denied.
Synonyms
discrimination, exploitation, oppression.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| injustice |
Used when referring to an act or situation where someone is treated unfairly or wrongfully.
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| oppression |
Used when a group or individual is kept down by unjust authority or force, often in social or political contexts.
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| exploitation |
Used when someone takes unfair advantage of another person, often for personal gain and typically in a work or economic context, often has negative connotations.
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| discrimination |
Used when someone is treated differently or unfairly based on characteristics such as race, gender, or religion.
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Examples of usage
- The history of this country is full of injustices towards indigenous people.
- The struggle for civil rights was a fight against injustice.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin 'injustitia,' where 'in-' means 'not' and 'justitia' means 'justice.'
- Throughout history, the fight against injustice has led to significant social movements, like the suffrage movement and civil rights movement, aiming for equality.
- In ancient societies, legal codes were established to address injustices, such as the Code of Hammurabi in Babylon, which aimed to create a system of fair treatment.
Current Events
- Global movements like Black Lives Matter highlight ongoing injustices, advocating for equality and justice for marginalized communities.
- Injustice often appears in environmental contexts, where low-income communities disproportionately suffer from pollution and climate change impacts.
- Reports of human rights violations, such as unfair trials or discrimination, frequently make headlines as calls to action for justice rise in society.
Literature
- Classic literature, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird', explores themes of injustice, exposing the bias present in legal and social systems.
- George Orwell's '1984' depicts how governmental injustices can exist when power is misused, affecting individual rights.
- Many poets, like Maya Angelou, use their work to confront injustices faced by marginalized groups, aiming to inspire change.
Psychology
- Experiencing injustice can lead to feelings of anger and frustration, impacting mental health and overall well-being.
- Studies show that witnessing or experiencing unfair treatment can lead individuals to become advocates for social change and justice.
- The concept of 'moral outrage' occurs when people perceive injustice, spurring them to take action or address wrongs.
Pop Culture
- Films like '12 Angry Men' and 'Erin Brockovich' highlight real-life injustices, prompting audiences to think critically about fairness and accountability.
- Many songs in popular music address themes of injustice, using art to evoke emotions and raise awareness, like 'Fight the Power' by Public Enemy.
- Social media has become a powerful tool for highlighting incidents of injustice, allowing voices to amplify calls for change and mobilizing collective action.
Origin of 'injustice'
The word 'injustice' originated from the Latin word 'injustitia', which means 'not justice'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Throughout history, injustices have been a common theme in societies, leading to movements and protests for equality and fairness.
See also: injustly, just, justice, justify, justly, unjust, unjustifiable, unjustly.