injustice
UK[ɪnˈdʒʌstɪs]US[ɪnˈdʒʌstɪs]
n
lack of fairness or justice; an unfair action or situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
justice
in
not
justice
fairness
Etymology
the word 'injustice' entered english in the late 14th century from old french injustice, which itself derived from latin iniustitia. this latin term is a compound of the negative prefix in- (meaning 'not') and the noun iustitia (meaning 'justice, fairness'), which comes from iustus ('just'). the core concept is a direct negation, forming a word that signifies the absence or violation of what is right and equitable. its logical construction has remained transparent, with the modern meaning closely following the original sense of 'unfairness' or 'an unjust act'.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + justice (fairness)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'not'); justice (from latin iustitia, meaning 'righteousness, equity').
Examples
the protest was a cry against social injustice.
she felt a deep sense of injustice at the way she had been treated.
the court's ruling was widely seen as a grave injustice.