wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
Synonyms of wrongfulnext
1
: wrong, unjust
2
a
: having no legal sanction : unlawful
b
: having no legal claim
a wrongful heir
wrongfully
ˈrȯŋ-fə-lē How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
adverb
wrongfulness noun

Synonyms of wrongful

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Examples of wrongful in a Sentence

He is suing his former employer for wrongful termination. charged with wrongful possession of narcotics
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.
The wrongful conviction came at the price of Powell’s freedom and overturning that conviction may now have its own price for the state. — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 But stepping out of the Georgia prison proved not to be the end of the uphill battle the father of two faced after his wrongful conviction. — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 6 July 2026 Florida’s own history of wrongful convictions in capital cases underscores what is at stake. — Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 The money supports cases such as consumer protections, domestic violence and wrongful evictions. — Nick Sullivan july 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrongful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongful was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing wrongful

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wrong-foot
wrongful
wrongful abstraction
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Cite this Entry

“Wrongful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongful. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wrongful

adjective
wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
1
: wrong entry 2 sense 1
a wrongful act
2
: unlawful
wrongful possession of another's property
wrongfully
-fə-lē How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
adverb
wrongfulness noun

Legal Definition

wrongful

adjective
wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
1
: constituting a wrong
especially : injurious to the rights of another
a wrongful act or omission
2
: unlawful
remained in wrongful occupation of the property
a wrongful occupant
wrongfully adverb
wrongfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on wrongful

Nglish: Translation of wrongful for Spanish Speakers

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