Sometimes things happen that are not fair. Maybe someone is punished for something they didn’t do. Or maybe a person doesn’t get the same chance as others. When we see or feel this kind of unfairness, we call it injustice. People use similes to describe injustice in a strong and clear way. A simile compares one thing to another using “like” or “as.” This helps others understand what something feels like.
Injustice can be hard to explain with just a few words. That’s why similes help. They show how wrong or painful something is by comparing it to something we already know. In this article, you will learn many similes that talk about injustice. These similes will help you express your thoughts better and make your writing stronger. Let’s look at how simple comparisons can show deep feelings.
Similes for Injustice
1. As unfair as a broken scale
Meaning: Not balanced or equal
Sample Sentences: The punishment felt as unfair as a broken scale. / That rule is as unfair as a broken scale.
Other Way to Say: Like a crooked balance / Like a tilted scale
2. As hurtful as being left out
Meaning: Feels painful and ignored
Sample Sentences: Losing the game felt as hurtful as being left out. / It was as unfair as being left out on purpose.
Other Way to Say: Like being ignored / Like not being picked
3. As wrong as blaming the wrong person
Meaning: Giving blame to someone who didn’t do it
Sample Sentences: She felt as wronged as blaming the wrong person. / That rule is as wrong as blaming the wrong kid.
Other Way to Say: Like getting blamed for nothing / Like a mix-up
4. As unfair as giving candy to only one kid
Meaning: Treating people differently
Sample Sentences: It was as unfair as giving candy to only one kid. / Only one person got a prize, and that was as unfair as giving candy to just them.
Other Way to Say: Like giving gifts to just one / Like playing favorites
5. As cold as being forgotten
Meaning: Being ignored feels bad
Sample Sentences: It felt as cold as being forgotten on your birthday. / Skipping her turn was as cold as forgetting her.
Other Way to Say: Like being left out / Like being invisible
6. As sneaky as a secret rule
Meaning: A rule nobody knows about
Sample Sentences: The rule felt as sneaky as a secret rule. / It’s as unfair as being punished for something you didn’t know.
Other Way to Say: Like a surprise rule / Like a hidden trap
7. As wrong as grading the test before finishing
Meaning: Judging something too early
Sample Sentences: He was treated as wrong as grading the test before finishing. / That was as unfair as not letting her finish.
Other Way to Say: Like judging too soon / Like cutting off early
8. As unfair as skipping someone’s turn
Meaning: Not letting someone have their chance
Sample Sentences: It was as unfair as skipping someone’s turn in a game. / Not letting her speak felt as unfair as skipping turns.
Other Way to Say: Like ignoring a turn / Like cutting in line
9. As cruel as laughing at someone’s loss
Meaning: Being mean when someone’s sad
Sample Sentences: That felt as cruel as laughing at someone’s loss. / Making fun of her mistake was just as cruel.
Other Way to Say: Like teasing when sad / Like a mean laugh
10. As unfair as a game with no rules
Meaning: Playing where anything goes
Sample Sentences: The contest felt as unfair as a game with no rules. / That rule change was as unfair as no rules at all.
Other Way to Say: Like a mess / Like wild play
11. As unfair as giving a prize for no reason
Meaning: Rewarding someone who didn’t earn it
Sample Sentences: That felt as unfair as giving a prize for no reason. / She didn’t even play, but got a medal.
Other Way to Say: Like a free gift for doing nothing / Like skipping effort
12. As wrong as punishing the helper
Meaning: Treating the good person badly
Sample Sentences: It was as wrong as punishing the helper instead of the troublemaker. / Helping got him in trouble, so unfair.
Other Way to Say: Like blaming the nice kid / Like punishing kindness
13. As unfair as one kid doing all the chores
Meaning: Sharing not done right
Sample Sentences: It was as unfair as one kid doing all the chores. / I did everything while he relaxed.
Other Way to Say: Like no teamwork / Like carrying all the work
14. As unfair as getting last place for winning
Meaning: Winning but not being treated right
Sample Sentences: She won the race but got no prize. It felt as unfair as getting last place.
Other Way to Say: Like being pushed back / Like the winner getting nothing
15. As cruel as being laughed at for crying
Meaning: Mocking someone’s feelings
Sample Sentences: They laughed when I cried, it felt as cruel as a bully’s joke. / No one helped me.
Other Way to Say: Like making fun of sadness / Like being teased when upset
16. As wrong as giving everyone different rules
Meaning: Treating people by unfair rules
Sample Sentences: It was as wrong as giving everyone different rules. / Some had it easy, others didn’t.
Other Way to Say: Like unfair laws / Like changing the game for some
17. As unfair as a race with a head start
Meaning: Some get an early lead
Sample Sentences: He started first. That felt as unfair as a race with a head start. / I couldn’t catch up.
Other Way to Say: Like a race not starting equal / Like skipping the line
18. As unkind as not being believed
Meaning: No one listens to your side
Sample Sentences: It was as unkind as not being believed. / I told the truth, but they didn’t listen.
Other Way to Say: Like no one trusting you / Like your voice not heard
19. As unfair as giving someone extra turns
Meaning: Letting one person go more often
Sample Sentences: She got three turns, that was as unfair as cheating. / It didn’t feel fair.
Other Way to Say: Like bonus turns / Like unfair chances
20. As bad as blaming the wrong kid
Meaning: Pointing fingers at the innocent
Sample Sentences: He didn’t do it. That’s as bad as blaming the wrong kid. / She got in trouble for nothing.
Other Way to Say: Like blaming the wrong person / Like unfair blame
21. As unfair as getting in trouble for being quiet
Meaning: Punished even if you did nothing
Sample Sentences: I was quiet but got in trouble. That’s as unfair as anything.
Other Way to Say: Like silence being punished / Like being quiet isn’t safe
22. As confusing as changing rules mid-game
Meaning: Rules switch without reason
Sample Sentences: That was as confusing as changing rules mid-game. / We didn’t know what to do.
Other Way to Say: Like switching mid-play / Like a game gone wild
23. As mean as ignoring a fair question
Meaning: Not answering on purpose
Sample Sentences: I asked politely, but was ignored. That felt as mean as anything.
Other Way to Say: Like being talked over / Like being pushed aside
24. As unfair as giving homework to just one person
Meaning: Extra work for no reason
Sample Sentences: Only I had to do extra, it was as unfair as singling me out.
Other Way to Say: Like being picked on / Like being the only one punished
25. As wrong as getting detention for helping
Meaning: Helping leads to trouble
Sample Sentences: I helped her up and got in trouble. That’s as wrong as it gets.
Other Way to Say: Like being punished for kindness / Like doing right goes wrong
26. As unfair as one team starting with points
Meaning: Game starts unequal
Sample Sentences: They got extra points before playing. It felt as unfair as cheating.
Other Way to Say: Like an uneven game / Like points for nothing
27. As cruel as taking candy from one kid
Meaning: Taking away just from one
Sample Sentences: I was the only one who lost my prize, it was as cruel as taking candy.
Other Way to Say: Like picking on one / Like unfair loss
28. As unfair as a pop quiz with no warning
Meaning: Surprise test with no prep
Sample Sentences: That quiz was as unfair as sneaking up. / We didn’t get to study.
Other Way to Say: Like a surprise trick / Like an ambush test
29. As wrong as laughing when someone falls
Meaning: Making fun when someone is hurt
Sample Sentences: They laughed when I slipped. That felt as wrong as laughing at pain.
Other Way to Say: Like being teased when hurt / Like mean jokes
30. As unfair as calling someone a cheater without proof
Meaning: Accusing with no reason
Sample Sentences: They called me a cheater for winning. It was as unfair as false blame.
Other Way to Say: Like an unfair label / Like a wrong name
31. As unfair as getting last pick every time
Meaning: Always being chosen last
Sample Sentences: I was always picked last, it felt as unfair as being forgotten.
Other Way to Say: Like being skipped on purpose / Like not being wanted
32. As wrong as a test with all the answers marked wrong
Meaning: Even right answers aren’t counted
Sample Sentences: I knew I was right, but all my answers were marked wrong.
Other Way to Say: Like being failed unfairly / Like trick grading
33. As unfair as being told to be quiet but not others
Meaning: Only some must follow rules
Sample Sentences: I got shushed but they didn’t. It felt as unfair as double rules.
Other Way to Say: Like being singled out / Like unfair control
34. As cruel as cheering when someone loses
Meaning: Celebrating others’ sadness
Sample Sentences: They cheered when I lost. That’s as cruel as it gets.
Other Way to Say: Like laughing at pain / Like a mean cheer
35. As unfair as changing grades after the test
Meaning: Adjusting scores without reason
Sample Sentences: I got an A, then it changed to a C. That felt very unfair.
Other Way to Say: Like unfair downgrading / Like moving the goal
36. As wrong as being punished for no rule
Meaning: Trouble for something not even against the rules
Sample Sentences: I didn’t know it was wrong. No one told us.
Other Way to Say: Like surprise punishment / Like made-up rules
37. As unfair as being ignored in a group
Meaning: No one listens to you
Sample Sentences: Everyone talked over me. That was as unfair as being invisible.
Other Way to Say: Like no one seeing you / Like talking to air
38. As unfair as being timed when others are not
Meaning: Only you are rushed
Sample Sentences: I was timed, but the others weren’t. That’s not fair.
Other Way to Say: Like being under pressure alone / Like different rules
39. As cruel as losing because of a trick
Meaning: The loss was not real
Sample Sentences: He cheated and won. That was cruel and unfair.
Other Way to Say: Like a sneaky win / Like a fake victory
40. As unfair as being left out of the picture
Meaning: Not being included on purpose
Sample Sentences: Everyone got in the photo but me. It felt really unfair.
Other Way to Say: Like being cropped out / Like being erased
41. As wrong as getting yelled at for asking nicely
Meaning: Treated badly for being polite
Sample Sentences: I asked kindly but still got in trouble.
Other Way to Say: Like kindness being punished / Like polite words getting scolded
42. As unfair as being quiet and still getting blamed
Meaning: Trouble comes even when doing nothing wrong
Sample Sentences: I sat quietly, but still got blamed. It was confusing.
Other Way to Say: Like trouble finds you / Like a surprise blame
43. As bad as doing all the work and getting no credit
Meaning: Not being thanked for your help
Sample Sentences: I did the whole project, and my name wasn’t even on it.
Other Way to Say: Like no reward for effort / Like a hidden helper
44. As unfair as losing points for something not your fault
Meaning: You suffer for another’s mistake
Sample Sentences: He made the mess but I lost points. That’s so unfair.
Other Way to Say: Like being blamed wrongly / Like unfair punishment
45. As mean as picking on someone smaller
Meaning: Bullying those who can’t fight back
Sample Sentences: It’s as mean as pushing someone weaker.
Other Way to Say: Like picking on the little guy / Like unfair fights
46. As unfair as changing the finish line mid-race
Meaning: Goals keep shifting
Sample Sentences: We were almost done, then they added more.
Other Way to Say: Like moving targets / Like racing with no end
47. As wrong as making fun of a mistake
Meaning: Not helping, just mocking
Sample Sentences: I misspoke, and they laughed.
Other Way to Say: Like teasing a slip / Like mocking a stumble
48. As unfair as rules only for one group
Meaning: Others don’t have to follow
Sample Sentences: We had rules, but they didn’t. That’s as unfair as it gets. / It’s like the rules were only made for us.
Other Way to Say: Like rule picks / Like special treatment
49. As cruel as locking the door on purpose
Meaning: Keeping someone out
Sample Sentences: They locked the door so I couldn’t come in. That’s as cruel as locking someone out on purpose.
Other Way to Say: Like being unwanted / Like being pushed away
50. As unfair as being the only one without a voice
Meaning: Not being allowed to speak
Sample Sentences: Everyone shared their thoughts but me. It felt as unfair as being the only one without a voice.
Other Way to Say: Like being silent by force / Like your thoughts don’t matter
51. As wrong as getting blamed after telling the truth
Meaning: Honesty gets punished
Sample Sentences: I told the truth and still got in trouble. That’s as wrong as blaming the honest one.
Other Way to Say: Like truth hurts / Like honest trouble
52. As unfair as only one team getting help
Meaning: Others are left out
Sample Sentences: Their team got all the help. That felt as unfair as playing with helpers on just one side.
Other Way to Say: Like help for favorites / Like uneven sides
53. As bad as punishing before knowing the facts
Meaning: Judging too fast
Sample Sentences: I didn’t even get to explain. That’s as bad as punishing before hearing the story.
Other Way to Say: Like rushing to punish / Like unfair judgment
54. As wrong as silence being taken as guilt
Meaning: Quiet doesn’t mean guilty
Sample Sentences: I was just quiet, and they thought I did it. It felt as wrong as blaming silence.
Other Way to Say: Like quiet being blamed / Like no defense counts
55. As unfair as a test with the answers missing
Meaning: Set up to fail
Sample Sentences: There were no instructions. It was as unfair as a test with the answers missing.
Other Way to Say: Like guessing in the dark / Like a trick question
Multiple Choice Questions: Similes for Injustice
1. What does “as unfair as a broken scale” mean?
A. The scale is shiny
B. Things are not fair or equal
C. It measures weight perfectly
2. If someone says, “That was as cruel as locking the door on purpose,” what are they trying to say?
A. They wanted privacy
B. Someone was kept out on purpose
C. It was raining outside
3. What does “as unfair as giving candy to only one kid” most likely mean?
A. Only one kid likes candy
B. Candy was old
C. One person got something and others didn’t
4. “As wrong as blaming the wrong person” means:
A. You blamed the right person
B. Someone innocent got blamed
C. No one was blamed
5. What does “as unfair as skipping someone’s turn” mean?
A. Everyone got their turn
B. One person was left out
C. The game was over
6. “As cruel as laughing when someone falls” shows:
A. It’s funny when people fall
B. It’s mean to laugh at someone’s pain
C. Falling is always silly
7. If someone says, “It was as unfair as changing the finish line mid-race,” what do they mean?
A. The race was too short
B. The race was fun
C. The rules were changed while it was happening
8. What does “as wrong as getting detention for helping” suggest?
A. Helping caused trouble
B. Detention is fun
C. Detention was fair
9. “As unfair as being the only one with homework” means:
A. Everyone enjoyed homework
B. One person had to do extra work
C. The homework was easy
10. What does “as cruel as cheering when someone loses” show?
A. It’s kind to cheer anytime
B. It’s good to tease
C. It’s mean to celebrate another person’s loss
11. What does “as unfair as a pop quiz with no warning” mean?
A. Pop quizzes are always fun
B. It’s not fair if there’s no time to prepare
C. Everyone loves surprises
12. “As unfair as a test with the answers missing” means:
A. You have to guess with no help
B. The test is colorful
C. The answers are written clearly
Answer Key
- B) Things are not fair or equal
- B) Someone was kept out on purpose
- C) One person got something and others didn’t
- B) Someone innocent got blamed
- B) One person was left out
- B) It’s mean to laugh at someone’s pain
- C) The rules were changed while it was happening
- A) Helping caused trouble
- B) One person had to do extra work
- C) It’s mean to celebrate another person’s loss
- B) It’s not fair if there’s no time to prepare
- A) You have to guess with no help
Scoring Guide
- 12 Correct Answers: Love Similes Master!
You really understand how these comparisons show unfairness. - 8–11 Correct Answers: Well on your way to understanding similes about injustice.
Great progress, just a bit more practice! - 4–7 Correct Answers: Room for improvement, but you’re getting there!
Keep working, you’re learning fast. - 0–3 Correct Answers: Let’s explore the world of injustice similes together.
Don’t worry, learning takes time. Try again soon!
Conclusion
Similes help us describe things that are hard to explain with just plain words. When something feels unfair, it can also feel confusing or upsetting. By using similes, we can show others what injustice looks and feels like. These comparisons make our ideas easier to understand.
Now that you’ve learned many similes for injustice, try using them in your own writing. Whether it’s a story, a school project, or just something you feel, these similes can help you speak clearly and with feeling. Keep practicing, and you’ll get even better at showing what’s right and what isn’t, one simple sentence at a time.
