incorrect
Americanadjective
-
not correct as to fact; inaccurate; wrong.
an incorrect statement.
-
improper, unbecoming, or inappropriate.
incorrect behavior; incorrect attire.
- Synonyms:
- unsuitable
-
not correct in form, use, or manner.
an incorrect copy.
- Synonyms:
- faulty
adjective
-
false; wrong
an incorrect calculation
-
not fitting or proper
incorrect behaviour
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of incorrect
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin incorrectus “not corrected”; equivalent to in- 3 + correct
Explanation
Incorrect things are wrong or mistaken. Driving the incorrect direction on the highway can be dangerous. Turn around! Using the incorrect name when you greet someone (or eating your soup with the incorrect spoon at a fancy dinner) can be embarrassing. A doctor giving you the incorrect diagnosis is never good. When something is correct, it's proper, accurate, truthful, or without errors, and you get incorrect by adding the "not" prefix, in-.
Vocabulary lists containing incorrect
Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"
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Lesson 4
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Wrong
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Recent observations hint that our standard model of the universe is incorrect," she told a press conference on Saturday, adding that Roman will help clear that up.
From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026
There were incorrect mathematical analyses, reliance on four poor-quality trials and the overemphasis of the study in children.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 27, 2026
Media outlets in Australia widely reported the initial incorrect reports that Hooper was located alive before retracting their stories shortly after.
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
What won't be changing: Unlike at the World Cup, there will be no VAR interventions on incorrect corners or red cards for players who cover their mouth in a confrontational situation.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
This seemed like a reasonably astute observation to me when I was eight, but it turns out to be incorrect on a few levels.
From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
