Search Dictionary
Definition of wrongful

wrongful

/ˈrɔːŋ.fəl/
wrong · ful
Adverb:wrongfully
JUMP TO:

wrongful Lexical Profile

wrongful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not fair, morally right, or legal; done in violation of a law or someone's legal rights.

Example

"The former employee filed a lawsuit against the corporation for wrongful termination."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wrongful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for wrongful

Word Nuance & Usage

'Wrongful' is used primarily in legal and formal contexts before a noun (as in 'wrongful death' or 'wrongful termination') to indicate a violation of law or legal rights, whereas 'wrong' is the general everyday adjective used both before nouns and after linking verbs.

• Rhymes for wrongful

• Nearby Words

wrongdoer
wrongdoing
wrongfoot
wrongful
wrongfully
wrongheaded
wrongheadedly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'wrong' (derived from Old Norse 'rangr', meaning crooked or unjust) combined with the suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wrongful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wrongful
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.