Justifiability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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justifiability

[ˌdʒʌstɪfɪəˈbɪlɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal term

The quality of being justifiable; the extent to which something can be shown to be right or reasonable.

Synonyms

defensibility, legitimacy, validity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
justifiability	Use when referring to whether something can be justified or supported with good reasons or logic. Usually used in formal or academic contexts. The justifiability of his actions was questioned by the committee We need to examine the justifiability of these expenses before approving the budget
defensibility	Use when talking about the ability to defend a position or action, especially in light of criticism or attack. Often used in legal, strategic, or debate contexts. The defensibility of the company's policy will be challenged in court Her argument has little defensibility given the lack of evidence
legitimacy	Use when discussing the rightful, acceptable or legal status of something, often in political, legal, or social contexts. The legitimacy of the new government was recognized by international bodies Questions were raised regarding the legitimacy of the election results
validity	Use when referring to the soundness, effectiveness, or factual accuracy of something, commonly used in academic, scientific, and logical contexts. The validity of the study's findings has been confirmed by peer review We need to test the validity of these measurements

Examples of usage

The judge considered the justifiability of the defendant's actions before making a ruling.
The lawyer argued for the justifiability of the company's decision to terminate the contract.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ethical debate

The ethical or moral grounds on which a decision, action, or belief can be defended.

Synonyms

justification, morality, righteousness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
justifiability	Appears to be a duplication. The correct word might be 'justifiability'. The justifiability of the town's budget cuts was discussed at the council meeting
morality	This word is used to discuss the principles of right and wrong behavior, generally in the context of ethical and moral dilemmas or standards. The morality of the new law was debated by the community leaders
righteousness	This word is typically used to describe behavior or actions that are morally right or justifiable, often associated with a sense of moral superiority. He was admired for his righteousness in standing up against corruption
justification	This word is used when providing a reason or rationale for an action, decision, or belief, often to make it seem acceptable or worthy. Her justification for working late was that she had a tight deadline to meet

Examples of usage

The justifiability of capital punishment continues to be a topic of heated debate.
She questioned the justifiability of his actions in light of the ethical principles at stake.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

In ethics, justifiability relates to moral reasoning, where actions are assessed based on arguments and consequences.
Philosophers debate the justifiability of certain actions, especially in moral dilemmas, to establish rules for right behavior.
The idea of justifiability intertwines with concepts of fairness and accountability in both personal and societal contexts.

Law

In legal contexts, justifiability is crucial when assessing whether actions taken, such as self-defense, can be legally defended.
Judges often look for justifiability in a case to determine if the actions comply with laws and moral standards.
Legal systems require justifiability for appeals, where original decisions must be explained and affirmed.

Psychology

In the realm of psychology, people often seek justifications for their choices to feel better about their decisions, a process known as cognitive dissonance reduction.
The need to justify actions can lead to self-deception, where individuals believe their actions are reasonable to alleviate guilt or conflict.
Research shows that feeling justified can enhance one's moral reasoning but can also lead to biased decisions.

Business

In corporate settings, justifiability is about how decisions made by management can be supported by data and ethical reasoning.
A well-justified business decision can lead to better stakeholder trust and employee morale.
Many companies now focus on corporate responsibility, ensuring that their policies and practices are justifiable to the public and stakeholders.

Origin of 'justifiability'

Main points about word origin

The word divides into 'justify' and the suffix '-ability,' suggesting it is about the ability to justify actions or decisions.
The root 'justify' comes from the Latin word 'justificare,' meaning to prove something to be right or good.
Suffix '-ability' indicates the quality or condition of being able to do something, commonly used in English to form adjectives.

The word 'justifiability' originates from the combination of the word 'justifiable' and the suffix '-ity', which forms a noun indicating a state or quality. 'Justifiable' itself comes from the verb 'justify', which traces back to the Latin 'justificare', meaning 'to act justly or rightly'. The concept of justifiability has been central to legal and ethical discourse for centuries, reflecting the ongoing human endeavor to determine what is right and defensible in various contexts.