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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
The memorandum alleged Day had more than 58 instances of incorrect coding. — Stephanie Kuzydym, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Aug. 2026 In others, the balance is incorrect because their repayment application wasn't properly processed. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 There are so many articles online about Sarah, and so much of the information is incorrect. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026 In between some of the manager’s more clip-worthy quotes, there were more of his usual — and not incorrect — platitudes. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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