is unjustified

USAGE SUMMARY

'is unjustified' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is wrong or inappropriate. For example: "His angry outburst was unjustified and he quickly apologized for his behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Unqualified support for all work on nonhuman primates is unjustified and unjustifiable," said Bateson.

The Guardian

This asymmetry is unjustified.

The Economist

However, Leveson says this criticism is unjustified.

The Guardian

WASHINGTON — In the pursuit of justice, what is unjustified?

The New York Times - Arts

We believe that is a tax cut which is unjustified.

The Guardian

Or that the war in Iraq is unjustified?

The New York Times - Arts

The fear that Syria will descend into chaos if the regime falls is unjustified.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said the EU's criticism of Turkey's unwillingness to work directly with EUPOL is unjustified.

The Guardian

I'm not saying this fear of terrorism is unjustified, and I'm not saying it's justified.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Republicans blame mortality for the perceived fund deficiencies, but, as shown above, that argument is unjustified.

Huffington Post

Therefore, "screening for breast cancer with mammography is unjustified," the team writes in tomorrow's Lancet.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unjustified", ensure the context clearly explains why the action, belief, or statement lacks justification. Providing supporting evidence or reasoning strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is unjustified" in situations where there is a slight reason or rationale. Reserve it for instances where the lack of justification is clear and substantial; otherwise, consider milder alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unjustified" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject to indicate that it lacks a valid reason or basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, often followed by an explanation of why something is deemed unjustified.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unjustified" is a phrase used to indicate that something lacks a valid reason or basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase functions as a predicate adjective, expressing disapproval or critique. Related phrases include "is unwarranted" and "is groundless", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using "is unjustified", ensure the context clearly explains the lack of justification. Ludwig's analysis of usage patterns reveals that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unjustifiable

A direct synonym of "is unjustified", maintaining a similar level of formality.

is unwarranted

Replaces "unjustified" with a synonym, emphasizing the lack of necessity or justification.

lacks justification

Shifts the phrasing to emphasize the absence of justification, rather than the state of being unjustified.

is groundless

Highlights the lack of factual basis or foundation.

is unfounded

Similar to "groundless", but may suggest a weaker or less substantial basis.

is without basis

Focuses on the absence of a valid foundation or reason.

is indefensible

Emphasizes the inability to defend or justify an action or belief.

is unreasonable

Suggests that something is not in accordance with reason or logic.

has no merit

Indicates that something is without value or worth, and therefore not justified.

is gratuitous

Implies that something is excessive, unnecessary, and therefore unjustified.

FAQs

How can I use "is unjustified" in a sentence?

Use "is unjustified" to express that an action, belief, or feeling lacks a valid reason or excuse. For example: "The punishment is unjustified because it doesn't fit the crime."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "is unjustified"?

Alternatives to "is unjustified" include "is unwarranted", "is groundless", or "is unfounded", each carrying slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "is unjustified"?

It's appropriate to use "is unjustified" when you want to strongly assert that something lacks any legitimate basis or reason. Consider the context to ensure it's the most suitable phrase.

What's the difference between "is unjustified" and "is unfair"?

"Is unjustified" focuses on the lack of a valid reason, while "is unfair" emphasizes a lack of impartiality or justice. An action can be unjustified without being unfair, and vice versa.