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
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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 unbegründet
unfounded
When describing criticism, a demand, or a measure, unbegründet and ungerechtfertigt can both seem suitable. Unbegründet emphasizes the lack of reasons or supporting evidence, while ungerechtfertigt more strongly evaluates something as unauthorized, unfair, or inappropriate. Use unbegründet for the arguments and ungerechtfertigt for the evaluation.
ungerechtfertigt
Die harte Strafe ist ungerechtfertigt, weil sie für diesen kleinen Fehler nicht angemessen ist.
The harsh punishment is unjustified because it is not appropriate for such a minor mistake.
unbegründet
Der Vorwurf ist unbegründet, weil niemand konkrete Beweise vorlegen kann.
The accusation is unfounded because no one can provide specific evidence.
In real life
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