unjust enrichment

noun

unjust en·​rich·​ment
1
: the retaining of a benefit (as money) conferred by another when principles of equity and justice call for restitution to the other party
also : the retaining of property acquired especially by fraud from another in circumstances that demand the judicial imposition of a constructive trust on behalf of those who in equity ought to receive it see also quasi contract sense 1 at contract
2
: a doctrine that requires an equitable remedy on behalf of one who has been injured by the unjust enrichment of another

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Unjust enrichment.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/unjust%20enrichment. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!