Unjustifiable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unjustifiable

 

[ ʌnˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not able to be shown to be right or reasonable.

Synonyms

unjustified, unreasonable, unwarranted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unjustifiable

This is used when something cannot be defended or excused under any circumstances.

  • The actions of the criminal were completely unjustifiable.
  • It's an unjustifiable waste of resources.
unwarranted

Used to describe something that is not justified or necessary, often when something is excessive or inappropriate.

  • The level of criticism was unwarranted.
  • Her worries were unwarranted given the situation.
unreasonable

This is used when something is not reasonable or rational, often implying a subjective opinion.

  • It is unreasonable to expect results overnight.
  • His demands were seen as unreasonable by the team.
unjustified

Used when a decision or action lacks proper reasons or grounds. Often used in legal or formal contexts.

  • The expense was deemed unjustified by the board.
  • Her fears were totally unjustified.

Examples of usage

  • It is unjustifiable to treat employees unfairly based on their gender.
  • The decision to fire him was completely unjustifiable.
Context #2 | Adjective

action

Impossible to justify or defend.

Synonyms

indefensible, unsupportable, untenable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unjustifiable

Use when describing something that cannot be justified or excused under any circumstance.

  • His behavior at the meeting was unjustifiable
  • The expense was unjustifiable given the company's financial situation
indefensible

Best applied in situations where an action or position cannot be reasonably defended or protected, often in ethical or legal contexts.

  • The attorney found his client's actions indefensible
  • She made an indefensible decision to lie to her employer
unsupportable

Used when something cannot be supported logically, financially, or structurally.

  • The hypothesis was unsupportable by the available evidence
  • Their budget plan is completely unsupportable
untenable

Appropriate when describing a situation, position, or opinion that cannot be maintained or defended against criticism.

  • His argument was untenable in the face of new evidence
  • The living conditions in the old building have become untenable

Examples of usage

  • The use of violence in this situation is completely unjustifiable.
  • The amount of money they spent on the project seems unjustifiable.

Translations

Translations of the word "unjustifiable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 injustificável

🇮🇳 असमर्थनीय

🇩🇪 unvertretbar

🇮🇩 tidak dapat dibenarkan

🇺🇦 неприпустимий

🇵🇱 nieuzasadniony

🇯🇵 正当化できない

🇫🇷 injustifiable

🇪🇸 injustificable

🇹🇷 mazur gösterilemez

🇰🇷 정당화할 수 없는

🇸🇦 غير مبرر

🇨🇿 neodůvodnitelný

🇸🇰 neodôvodniteľný

🇨🇳 不可辩解的

🇸🇮 neopravičljiv

🇮🇸 óafsakanlegur

🇰🇿 ақталмайтын

🇬🇪 გაუმართლებელი

🇦🇿 əsassız

🇲🇽 injustificable

Etymology

The word 'unjustifiable' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'justifiable' meaning 'able to be shown to be right or reasonable'. The concept of justification has been a fundamental aspect of moral and ethical debates throughout history, with philosophers and thinkers exploring the idea of what actions can be considered justifiable. The word 'unjustifiable' reflects the notion that certain behaviors or actions cannot be justified or defended based on moral or logical grounds.

See also: injustice, injustly, just, justice, justify, justly, unjust, unjustly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,167, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.