incorrect

1 of 2

adjective

in·​cor·​rect ˌin-kə-ˈrekt How to pronounce incorrect (audio)
Synonyms of incorrectnext
1
a
: not true : wrong
incorrect answers
b
: inaccurate, faulty
an incorrect transcription
incorrect grammar/spelling/usage
2
: unbecoming, improper
incorrect behavior
3
obsolete : not corrected or chastened
incorrectly
ˌin-kə-ˈrek(t)-lē How to pronounce incorrect (audio)
adverb
incorrectness
ˌin-kə-ˈrek(t)-nəs How to pronounce incorrect (audio)
noun

incorrectness

2 of 2

noun

in·​correctness "+ How to pronounce incorrectness (audio)
: the quality or state of being incorrect

Synonyms of incorrect

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Adjective

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Examples of incorrect in a Sentence

Adjective The doctor's diagnosis was incorrect. The story in the newspaper is incorrect. The restaurant considers jeans and T-shirts incorrect attire for dinner.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
For Poppens, who has spent more than a decade navigating the challenges of MS, the possibility of an incorrect diagnosis underscores the importance of getting answers before beginning long-term treatment. — Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 The reality, of course, is that the Southern accent is not some incorrect version of a national standard but instead a historically separate and unique dialect – or, more accurately, set of dialects. — Valerie M. Fridland, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 And Ballmer and the Clippers remain adamant the penalties—and the allegations of misconduct—are incorrect. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 His instinct was to turn it in what was, mathematically speaking, the obviously incorrect direction. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incorrect

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin incorrectus, from in- + correctus correct

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of incorrect was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing incorrect

Rhymes for incorrect

See All Rhymes for incorrect

Browse Nearby Words

incorpsed
incorrect
incorrectly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incorrect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incorrect. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incorrect

adjective
in·​cor·​rect ˌin-kə-ˈrekt How to pronounce incorrect (audio)
: not correct: as
a
: inaccurate, faulty
an incorrect copy
b
: not true : wrong
an incorrect answer
c
: not proper
incorrect behavior
incorrectly
-ˈrek-(t)lē How to pronounce incorrect (audio)
adverb
incorrectness
-ˈrek(t)-nəs How to pronounce incorrect (audio)
noun
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