wrong
wrong Lexical Profile
wrong Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Not correct or true; mistaken or erroneous in fact, judgment, or calculation.
"The student realized that his final answer to the algebra equation was wrong."
Unjust, dishonest, or immoral; contrary to ethical principles or conscience.
"She knew it was morally wrong to take credit for her colleague's hard work."
Unsuitable, undesirable, or inappropriate for a particular purpose, person, or situation.
"Wearing thin canvas shoes was the wrong choice for hiking through the muddy forest."
In a bad, abnormal, or malfunctioning condition; out of order or amiss.
"The mechanic listened to the engine and immediately knew something was wrong with the transmission."
• adverb
In an incorrect, mistaken, or unsuccessful manner (typically used after a verb).
"You spelled her last name wrong on the official invitation."
• noun
An unjust, dishonest, or immoral action or state of affairs.
"The new legislation was designed to redress the historical wrongs suffered by the community."
• verb
To act unjustly or dishonestly toward someone; to treat or judge someone unfairly.
"He felt deeply wronged by the committee's decision to overlook his research contributions."
Word Nuance & Usage
As an adverb, 'wrong' is restricted to post-verbal positions (especially in idioms like 'go wrong', 'do wrong', or 'get it wrong'), whereas 'wrongly' is required when placed before a verb or past participle (e.g., 'wrongly accused').
• Rhymes for wrong
Word Origin & Etymology
From Late Old English wrang, borrowed from Old Norse rangr meaning 'crooked, wry, or unjust', which is related to the Proto-Germanic verb root behind English 'wring' (to twist).