justifiable
[juhs-tuh-fahy-uh-buh l, juhs-tuh-fahy-]
- capable of being justified; that can be shown to be or can be defended as being just, right, or warranted; defensible: justifiable homicide.
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Origin of justifiable
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for unjustifiable
Contemporary Examples
Cameron stood in the House of Commons and said that the events of the day were “unjustified and unjustifiable.”
Historical Examples
This I imagine to be not ignorance, but unjustifiable license.
Modern Painters Volume I (of V)John Ruskin
This did really seem to me a ruthless and unjustifiable proceeding.
Adventures and RecollectionsBill o'th' Hoylus End
He was half angry with himself for a step which now appeared so unjustifiable.
Luttrell Of ArranCharles James Lever
And I cannot but think that the Dean has interfered in a most unjustifiable manner.
Is He Popenjoy?Anthony Trollope
Thousands of peaceful natives were treated with unjustifiable ferocity.
The Philippine IslandsJohn Foreman
unjustifiable
- not capable of being justified
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justifiable
- capable of being justified; understandable
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for unjustifiable
adj.
1640s, from un- (1) "not" + justifiable. Related: Unjustifiably.
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justifiable
adj.
1520s, from Old French justifiable, from justifiier (see justify). Earlier in same sense was justificable (mid-15c.). Related: Justifiably (mid-15c.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper