01
ungerechtfertigt
unjustified
Without sufficient reason or justification; not fair or appropriate.
example
Die scharfe Kritik an seiner Arbeit war völlig ungerechtfertigt.
The harsh criticism of his work was completely unjustified.
ungerechtfertigt
unjustified
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
This word consists of the prefix 'un-' and 'gerechtfertigt' (justified), the past participle of 'rechtfertigen' (to justify). So 'ungerechtfertigt' literally means 'not justified' or 'without good reason.'
EXAMPLE
Seine Entlassung war absolut ungerechtfertigt.
His dismissal was absolutely unjustified.
Typical collocations
'Ungerechtfertigt' (unjustified) is often used to describe negative statements or actions that lack a justification. Typical combinations are 'ungerechtfertigte Kritik' (unjustified criticism), 'ungerechtfertigte Vorwürfe' (unjustified accusations), or 'eine ungerechtfertigte Anschuldigung' (an unjustified accusation).
EXAMPLE
Er musste sich gegen ungerechtfertigte Vorwürfe verteidigen.
He had to defend himself against unjustified accusations.
Usage context
This word is used to argue that something is not fair because there is no factual basis or justification for it. It is typical in discussions, complaints, or formal disputes.
EXAMPLE
Die Preiserhöhung ist aus Sicht der Kunden ungerechtfertigt.
From the customers' point of view, the price increase is unjustified.
Compare with
ungerechtfertigt vs berechtigt
justified / entitled
'berechtigt' and 'ungerechtfertigt' are opposites when it comes to reasons, criticism, worries, or decisions. 'berechtigt' says: there is a good and understandable reason. 'ungerechtfertigt' says: there is no sufficient reason, so something seems unfair or inappropriate. 'berechtigt' can also mean a right or permission, but in this contrast it is mainly about whether something is well-founded.
ungerechtfertigt
Fiona findet die harte Reaktion ihrer Freundin ungerechtfertigt.
Fiona finds her friend's harsh reaction unjustified.
berechtigt
Bei so vielen Ausfällen ist die Beschwerde der Klasse berechtigt.
With so many cancellations, the class's complaint is justified.
In real life
Loading video examples...