wrongful
Americanadjective
-
unjust or unfair.
a wrongful act; a wrongful charge.
-
having no legal right; unlawful.
The court ruled it was a wrongful diversion of trust income.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of wrongful
Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; see origin at wrong, -ful
Explanation
If something's not fair, or especially if it's illegal, you can call it wrongful. If a company violates an employee's contract and fires her, that would be a wrongful termination. This adjective is mainly used in a legal context. Being arrested when there's no evidence is a wrongful arrest, and if you're found guilty of a crime you didn't commit, that would be a wrongful conviction. We've used this word since the 14th century to mean "not fair" or "unjust." It derives from an Old English word meaning "crooked or twisted."
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.
The tribunal upheld part of his claims for unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal and a failure to make reasonable adjustments.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
JPMorgan says that requirement allowed Bodner to claim defamation and wrongful termination, which the company denies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Bodner said the spread was intended for clients who never showed up, and accused JPMorgan of wrongful termination.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
O'Brien referenced the case of Lynette White, which - following the wrongful conviction and imprisonment of the Cardiff Five - was solved when new DNA technology led police to the real killer, Jeffrey Gafoor.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
Many judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers do a poor job of recognizing the special needs of the mentally disabled, which leads to wrongful convictions, lengthier prison terms, and high rates of recidivism.
From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson
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.
