unjustified

Unjustified is an adjective used to describe something that lacks justification. It denotes that an assertion, action, belief, or measure has not been shown to be reasonable, necessary, or permissible given the relevant facts, standards, or authority. When something is deemed unjustified, it is considered unsupported, unwarranted, or inadequately explained.

Common uses appear in everyday critique of claims or policies, for example an unjustified accusation or an unjustified restriction. In many contexts, the term signals that the speaker believes the justification offered is insufficient or disproportionate to the circumstances.

In legal contexts, unjustified often describes actions lacking a lawful basis or due process, such as unjustified detention, unjustified search and seizure, or unjustified use of force. Courts may assess whether a measure is justified by law, precedent, or evidence, and the absence of such justification can render measures unlawful or unconstitutional, depending on jurisdiction.

Etymology: from un- (not) + justified, from justify. Synonyms include unwarranted, baseless, unproven; antonyms include justified, warranted, legitimate.