Dictionary

1wrong

noun \ˈrŋ\

: 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
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Origin of WRONG

Middle English, from Old English wrang, from *wrang, adjective, wrong
First Known Use: before 12th century

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>.

Rhymes with WRONG

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 \ˈrŋ-ər\ wrong·est \ˈrŋ-əst\

Full Definition of WRONG

1
:  not according to the moral standard :  sinful, immoral <thought that war was 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 \ˈrŋ-lē\ adverb
wrong·ness noun
wrong side of the tracks
:  a run-down or unfashionable neighborhood

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>

First Known Use of WRONG

13th century

4wrong

verb

: to treat (someone) badly or unfairly

wrongedwrong·ing \ˈrŋ-iŋ\

Full Definition of WRONG

transitive verb
1
a :  to do wrong to :  injure, harm
b :  to treat disrespectfully or dishonorably :  violate
2
:  defraud —usually used with of <wronged them of their land>
3
wrong·er \ˈrŋ-ər\ noun

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>.
WRONGLY Defined for Kids

1wrong

adjective \ˈrŋ\

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.>
3
:  not right :  sinful, evil <It is wrong to lie.>
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

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