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DictionarytravestyAbsurd or unjust situation
noun

travesty

An outrageously bad, absurd, or unjust situation.

Keeping an innocent person in prison is a travesty.

Etymology
travestyFrenchto disguise

The older image is disguise or distorted representation. A travesty of justice is so distorted a version of justice that it becomes an outrage.

More examples

  • It is a travesty that families go hungry while stores throw away food.
  • The trial was a travesty of justice from the start.
  • Fans called the cancellation of the championship game a travesty.

Forms

travesty · travesties

Similar words

outrage
Emphasizes the anger provoked by something deeply wrong.
scandal
Usually involves wrongdoing that attracts public attention and condemnation.
fiasco
Emphasizes an embarrassing failure rather than absurdity or injustice.