unjustifiably so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unjustifiably so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done without justification or reason, often in a context where an action or belief is being criticized. Example: "The decision to terminate his contract was unjustifiably so, given his excellent performance record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Not merely wrong, he adds, but unreasonably and unjustifiably so.

The Guardian

For one, the recent patenting dispute in the US for the applications of CRISPR, has to a large extent escaped the media radar, and unjustifiably so, as plausibly intellectual property issues represent a powerful mover in the US debate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I am currently attempting to rebuild my reputation for honor and integrity that was so unjustifiably destroyed by our own Court of Criminal Appeals," he said.

The New York Times

In a brief statement, the supreme court said: "The issues in this appeal were whether the proposed civil legal aid residence test in the draft Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2014 is ultra vires [beyond the powers of the legislation] and unjustifiably discriminatory and so in breach of common law and the Human Rights Act 1998.

The Guardian

"We are not imposing regulations on the press; we are saying the press set up a self-regulation system but that body is checked every two or three years to ensure it is really independent of the press and is a system that can help innocent people who have been unjustifiably bullied and intimidated so they have a recourse".

The Guardian

Wick Sollers, who had served as Paterno's lawyer shortly before his death, issued a rebuttal on behalf of the family, which questioned why the board felt compelled to issue another lengthy public statement about why it fired Paterno "so suddenly and unjustifiably".

The New York Times

Quite frankly, my first reaction was to question whether I was qualified - stepping right into the trap of self-doubt so many women unjustifiably feel.

Huffington Post

But, frustratingly, he does not get quite deep enough into what made Oldfield tick, especially given that his private life was so important and, however unjustifiably, led to the blackening of his reputation after his death.

The Guardian - Books

In doing so, the pair killed Ford unjustifiably and violated his civil rights, the suit alleges.

Huffington Post

The rough idea is that state action is an unjustifiable exercise of force by an unjustifiably privileged few unless those who wield state power have been authorised to do so by those most likely to be affected by it.

The Economist

But when so many of our innocent youth are criminalized and unjustifiably targeted on a regular basis, the results have been devastating -- even deadly.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unjustifiably so" to concisely express that an action, decision, or situation lacks adequate justification and is therefore questionable or wrong. It's effective when you want to emphasize the lack of a valid reason.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "unjustifiably so" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unfairly" or "without a good reason" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unjustifiably so" functions as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the lack of justification for a preceding statement or action. It often serves to express disagreement or criticism. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unjustifiably so" is a grammatically correct adverbial modifier that concisely conveys the absence of justification for a given action or situation. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and usability. While relatively infrequent, it finds its primary use in News & Media, carrying a neutral tone suitable for expressing disapproval or criticism in formal contexts. For informal settings, simpler alternatives are recommended. Overall, "unjustifiably so" is a precise and effective way to highlight the unwarranted nature of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without justification

A more formal and direct way of saying something lacks justification.

unjustly so

Highlights the inherent unfairness of the situation.

without due cause

Focuses on the absence of legitimate reasons or grounds for an action.

without warrant

Highlights the lack of authorization or legal basis.

without a valid basis

Indicates the absence of a sound or reasonable foundation.

undeservedly so

Emphasizes the unfairness or lack of merit in a situation.

inequitably so

Stresses the lack of fairness and equal treatment.

illegitimately so

Suggests the action or situation is not in accordance with the law or rules.

for no good reason

A more casual way to express the lack of a valid reason.

gratuitously so

Highlights that something is excessive or unnecessary.

FAQs

What does "unjustifiably so" mean?

The phrase "unjustifiably so" means that something is happening or being done without a valid or reasonable justification. It implies that the action or situation is unfair or unwarranted.

How can I use "unjustifiably so" in a sentence?

You can use "unjustifiably so" to express disapproval or disagreement with something that lacks justification. For example, "The decision to fire her was "unjustly so", given her contributions to the company."

Are there alternatives to using "unjustifiably so"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "without justification", "unfairly", or "without reason" depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "unjustifiably so" a formal or informal expression?

"Unjustifiably so" leans towards a more formal tone. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "not fair" or "no reason" might be more appropriate.