justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "justification" is correct in written English.
It is used when providing reasons or explanations for an action, decision, or belief. Example: "The justification for the new policy was based on extensive research and data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever our politics there can never be justification, surely only regret".

The Guardian

"Do you not have a heavy burden of justification to show authorisation under the constitution?" he asked the US solicitor-general, Donald Verrilli, who was defending the law.

The Guardian

It is the intellectual justification for why such a high premium is placed on degrees from first-tier business schools, and why the compensation packages for top executives have become so lavish.

The Economist

Still, the latest judicial document in the ongoing battle, a 337-page justification of the most recent convictions made public on Tuesday, marks a new low.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Government need to explain who authorised the use of terrorism legislation in this case and what the justification was.

The Guardian

Tony Bunyan, director of Statewatch, which documents European justice and home affairs policies, added: "The government's justification for not participating in Triton is cynical and an abdication of responsibility by saying that not helping to rescue people fleeing from war, persecution and poverty who are likely to perish is an acceptable way to discourage immigration".

The Guardian

"It followed that there had to be some explanation or justification for Ms Lawrie ignoring and disengaging with the inquiry.

The Guardian

In Javid's letter, dated 12 March, the minister voiced his concern about the risk that the revived censorship proposal would be used "otherwise than intended, not least given the difficulty of defining extremism, and the consequent likelihood of the government being seen to be interfering with freedom of speech without sufficient justification".

The Guardian

But this justification is dangerously misleading, since the private sector consistently relies on the government or taxpayers to fund infrastructure, while extracting a profit, the margin of which can even be guaranteed in concession contracts," he said.

The Guardian

Farron is understood to have written to the commission complaining that the newspaper embarked on a "fishing expedition" in which there was no justification for secretly recording MPs at their constituency surgeries.

The Guardian

It should by now be perfectly obvious to everyone that the Tory party is using the deficit scare as the justification for a rightwing agenda that involves shrinking the state at the expense of the most vulnerable in society.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "justification", ensure that the reasons or explanations provided are clear, logical, and supported by evidence. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is a "justification" without elaborating on the specific reasons or evidence supporting it. Always provide concrete examples or explanations to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "justification" is as a noun. It refers to the act of showing something to be right or reasonable or providing an acceptable reason for doing something. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "justification" is a common noun used to provide reasons or explanations for an action, belief, or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, business, and academic settings. Related terms include "rationale", "reasoning", and "explanation", each offering slightly different nuances. When using "justification", it is crucial to provide clear, logical, and well-supported reasons. Overusing "justification" without sufficient detail should be avoided to maintain clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rationale

Focuses on the underlying logic or principle behind a decision or action. Has a slightly more formal tone.

reasoning

Emphasizes the thought process and logic used to arrive at a conclusion or decision.

explanation

Provides details about why something happened or how something works, often used in a descriptive context.

excuse

Often implies an attempt to lessen blame or responsibility, sometimes suggesting a weaker or less valid reason.

defense

Suggests an attempt to protect or advocate for something, often in response to criticism or attack.

vindication

Highlights the act of clearing someone of blame or suspicion, often implying proof of innocence or correctness.

grounds

Refers to the basis or foundation upon which a decision or action is based, often used in legal or formal contexts.

basis

Indicates the fundamental reason or support for something, similar to "grounds" but slightly more general.

warrant

Implies that something is authorized or justified by a specific reason or circumstance, often used in formal or legal contexts.

apologia

A formal written defense of one's opinions or conduct, often used in academic or literary contexts.

FAQs

How do you use "justification" in a sentence?

The word "justification" is used to provide a reason or explanation for an action, belief, or event. For example, "The company offered a detailed "justification" for the price increase."

What are some synonyms for "justification"?

Alternatives to "justification" include "rationale", "reasoning", "explanation", and "excuse", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "justification" and "excuse"?

"Justification" typically implies a valid or morally acceptable reason, whereas "excuse" often suggests an attempt to lessen blame or responsibility, and may imply a weaker or less valid reason.

What is the legal meaning of "justification"?

In a legal context, "justification" refers to a defense against criminal charges, asserting that the defendant's actions were necessary or permissible under the circumstances. For example, self-defense can be a "justification" for the use of force.