Definition of wrong

Short definition: The word wrong means not correct, not true, or not the right choice. People use it when answers are incorrect, plans don’t work out, or behavior feels unfair. It can describe mistakes, directions, ideas, or actions.

Looking for a clear, real-life explanation of the word wrong? Wrong is commonly used to describe mistakes, incorrect ideas, moral judgments, uncomfortable feelings, and situations that simply don’t feel right. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and practical way, with long examples that reflect how people actually use the word in everyday conversations.

Comparatives: wronger (rare), wrongest (rare)
Related: wrongly adv., wrongness n., wrongdoing n.
Syllable: wrong

1. (Adjective) Not correct or accurate; based on a mistake, misunderstanding, or incorrect information.
   The answer looked convincing at first, but it turned out to be completely wrong once the correct data was carefully checked.
   I realized my assumption was wrong after listening to the full explanation instead of jumping to conclusions.
   The directions were wrong, which is why we ended up driving for an extra hour before reaching the destination.

   Synonyms: incorrect, mistaken, inaccurate, false, erroneous, flawed, misleading, untrue, invalid, faulty, off-base, misguided
   Antonyms: correct, accurate, right, true, valid, precise, sound, reliable, exact, factual, proper, justified

2. (Adjective) Morally bad, unfair, or unacceptable according to social rules, ethics, or personal values.
   She knew it was wrong to lie about the situation, even if telling the truth felt uncomfortable.
   Exploiting people for profit is clearly wrong, no matter how legal it might appear on paper.
   He apologized because he understood that what he did was wrong and had hurt others.

   Synonyms: immoral, unethical, unjust, improper, bad, dishonest, corrupt, unacceptable, blameworthy, objectionable, reprehensible, harmful
   Antonyms: right, ethical, moral, fair, just, proper, honorable, acceptable, virtuous, upright, principled, commendable

3. (Adjective) Not suitable, appropriate, or fitting for a particular situation, time, or context.
   This is the wrong time to bring up sensitive issues, especially when emotions are already running high.
   He wore the wrong shoes for the hike, which made the trip far more difficult than expected.
   Choosing the wrong approach can turn a simple conversation into a serious misunderstanding.

   Synonyms: inappropriate, unsuitable, improper, ill-timed, mismatched, unfit, misplaced, awkward, ill-chosen, ineffective, incorrect choice, misaligned
   Antonyms: appropriate, suitable, fitting, proper, well-timed, ideal, correct choice, effective, compatible, aligned, apt, right

4. (Adverb) In an incorrect or mistaken way; not as intended or expected.
   Something went wrong during the update, causing the system to shut down unexpectedly.
   If anything goes wrong, please contact support immediately instead of trying to fix it yourself.
   He felt that everything was going wrong at once, even though the issues were actually manageable.

   Synonyms: incorrectly, badly, improperly, mistakenly, inaccurately, poorly, falsely, off-track, wrongly done, out of order, misdirected, flawed
   Antonyms: correctly, properly, well, accurately, smoothly, successfully, effectively, as planned, rightly, faultlessly, cleanly, perfectly

5. (Noun) An action or situation that causes harm, unfairness, or moral offense.
   He tried to make up for the wrong he had done, knowing that apologies alone were not enough.
   The law exists to address serious wrongs and protect people from abuse.
   Sometimes acknowledging a wrong is the first step toward fixing it.

   Synonyms: injustice, offense, harm, wrongdoing, misdeed, violation, abuse, injury, transgression, fault, grievance, sin
   Antonyms: justice, fairness, right, virtue, good deed, benefit, service, kindness, merit, integrity, righteousness, honor

6. (Figurative) A strong feeling that something is not right, even without clear evidence.
   She had a feeling that something was wrong, even though no one had said anything openly.
   He sensed that things were wrong at work, long before the official announcement was made.
   When the room suddenly went quiet, it felt immediately wrong to him.

   Synonyms: off, not right, uneasy, suspicious, troubling, unsettling, concerning, alarming, disturbing, odd, questionable, fishy
   Antonyms: fine, normal, okay, reassuring, comfortable, calm, safe, stable, balanced, expected, reassuringly right, settled