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 trauma that the state imposed on Duncan as a result of his wrongful conviction continues today. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 But such is the strength of feeling, former Love managing director Letty Kavanagh has launched twin lawsuits against Sky for wrongful dismissal and unpaid severance, as revealed by Deadline this month. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026 In a statement given to the The Athletic on Wednesday, Hampshire Police confirmed that Sterling had been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 On Friday, the Fourth Circuit rejected the disability discrimination, failure-to-accommodate and wrongful discharge claims. — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

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 3 Sep. 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
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