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Unjustifiable: meaning, definitions and examples

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unjustifiable

 

[ʌnˈdʒʌstɪfaɪəbl ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'justifiable', which is based on the Latin word 'justificare', meaning 'to make right'.
  • The term has been used in English since the early 20th century, reflecting a growing concern with ethics and fairness.
  • It’s often used in legal and moral contexts, highlighting actions that lack a valid reason.

Psychology

  • People often rationalize their decisions or behavior even when they are unjustifiable, to maintain a positive self-image.
  • Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals experience tension from holding conflicting beliefs, making them justifiable in their own minds.
  • Studies show that individuals may ignore evidence against their choices to avoid feeling guilty about unjustifiable actions.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of unjustifiable actions is frequently explored in literature and film, depicting characters struggling with moral dilemmas.
  • In many popular songs, feelings of regret or confusion are expressed about actions that are unjustifiable, connecting with listeners' emotions.
  • Reality TV shows often feature situations where contestants must justify their actions, leading to debates over what is fair.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Immanuel Kant discussed concepts of morality, questioning what actions can be justified versus those that are not.
  • Modern ethical debates often revolve around what constitutes unjustifiable behavior, especially in politics and social justice.
  • Utilitarianism considers the consequences of actions, often labeling actions as unjustifiable if they do not maximize overall happiness.

Law

  • In legal terms, an unjustifiable action might refer to a decision or act that lacks legal grounding or moral legitimacy.
  • Judges and juries often must determine whether particular defenses are unjustifiable based on the facts presented in a case.
  • Legal systems worldwide have rules for identifying and penalizing unjustifiable actions, particularly in cases of misconduct or abuse.

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

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.