First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wrong
noun \ˈrȯŋ\
: behavior that is not morally good or correct
: a harmful, unfair, or illegal act
Full Definition of WRONG
1
a : an injurious, unfair, or unjust act : action or conduct inflicting harm without due provocation or just cause b : a violation or invasion of the legal rights of another; especially : tort
2
: something wrong, immoral, or unethical; especially : principles, practices, or conduct contrary to justice, goodness, equity, or law
3
: the state, position, or fact of being or doing wrong: as a : the state of being mistaken or incorrect b : the state of being guilty
See wrong defined for English-language learners
See wrong defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of WRONG
Middle English, from Old English wrang, from *wrang, adjective, wrong
Related to WRONG
Synonym Discussion of WRONG
injustice, injury, wrong, grievance mean an act that inflicts undeserved hurt. injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights <the injustices suffered by the lower classes>. injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation <libel constitutes a legal injury>. wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice <determined to right society's wrongs>. grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint <a list of employee grievances>.
2wrong
adjective
: not agreeing with the facts or truth
: speaking, acting, or judging in a way that does not agree with the facts or truth
: not suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, situation, or person
wrong·er \ˈrȯŋ-ər\ wrong·est \ˈrȯŋ-əst\
Full Definition of WRONG
2
: not right or proper according to a code, standard, or convention : improper <it was wrong not to thank your host>
3
: not according to truth or facts : incorrect <gave a wrong date>
4
: not satisfactory (as in condition, results, health, or temper)
5
: not in accordance with one's needs, intent, or expectations <took the wrong bus>
6
: of, relating to, or constituting the side of something that is usually held to be opposite to the principal one, that is the one naturally or by design turned down, inward, or away, or that is the least finished or polished
— wrong·ly \ˈrȯŋ-lē\ adverb
— wrong·ness noun
— wrong side of the tracks
: a run-down or unfashionable neighborhood
See wrong defined for English-language learners
Origin of WRONG
Middle English, from Old English *wrang, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse rangr awry, wrong, Dan vrang wrong side; akin to Old English wringan to wring
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to WRONG
- Synonyms
- bastard, bush, bush-league, crummy (also crumby), deficient, dissatisfactory, ill, inferior, lame, lousy, off, paltry, poor, punk, sour, suboptimal, subpar, substandard, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wack [slang], wanting, wretched, bad
- Antonyms
- acceptable, adequate, all right, decent, fine, OK (or okay), passable, respectable, satisfactory, standard, tolerable
3wrong
adverb
: in a way that does not agree with the facts or truth : in a way that results in an error
: in a way that is not suitable, proper, etc.
Full Definition of WRONG
1
: without accuracy : incorrectly <guessed wrong>
2
: without regard for what is proper or just <was reprimanded for what he had done wrong>
3
: in a wrong direction <turned wrong at the junction>
4
a : in an unsuccessful or unfortunate way <something went wrong> b : out of working order or condition
5
: in a false light <don't get me wrong>
See wrong defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WRONG
13th century
4wrong
verb
: to treat (someone) badly or unfairly
wrongedwrong·ing \ˈrȯŋ-iŋ\
Full Definition of WRONG
transitive verb
2
: defraud —usually used with of <wronged them of their land>
See wrong defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WRONG
14th century
Synonym Discussion of WRONG
wrong, oppress, persecute, aggrieve mean to injure unjustly or outrageously. wrong implies inflicting injury either unmerited or out of proportion to what one deserves <a penal system that had wronged him>. oppress suggests inhumane imposing of burdens one cannot endure or exacting more than one can perform <a people oppressed by a warmongering tyrant>. persecute implies a relentless and unremitting subjection to annoyance or suffering <a child persecuted by constant criticism>. aggrieve implies suffering caused by an infringement or denial of rights <a legal aid society representing aggrieved minority groups>.
WRONGING Defined for Kids
1wrong
adjective \ˈrȯŋ\
Definition of WRONG for Kids
1
: not the one wanted or intended <I took the wrong train.>
2
: not correct or true : false <Your addition is wrong.>
4
: not satisfactory : causing unhappiness <You're upset. What's wrong?>
5
: not suitable <This coat is the wrong size.>
6
: made so as to be placed down or under and not to be seen <the wrong side of cloth>
7
: not proper <He swallowed something the wrong way.>
8
: not working correctly <Something's wrong with the car.>
— wrong·ly adverb
2wrong
noun
Definition of WRONG for Kids
: something (as an idea, rule, or action) that is not right
3wrong
adverb
Definition of WRONG for Kids
: in the wrong direction, manner, or way <I answered wrong.>
4wrong
verb
wrongedwrong·ing
Definition of WRONG for Kids
: to treat badly or unfairly
Learn More About WRONG
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up wrong? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).