'unjustly-returned' originates from the combination of 'unjustly' and 'returned'. 'Unjustly' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'justly' meaning 'in a fair manner'. 'Returned' is derived from the Latin 'retornare', where 're-' meant 'back' and 'tornare' meant 'to turn'.

'Unjustly-returned' combines the Middle English 'unjust' and 'return', evolving into the modern English compound adjective.

Initially, 'unjustly' meant 'not in accordance with justice', and 'returned' meant 'sent back'. Together, they describe something sent back in an unfair manner.