wrongful

wrong·ful

adjective \ˈrȯŋ-fəl\

Definition of WRONGFUL

1

: wrong, unjust

2

a : having no legal sanction : unlawful

b : having no legal claim <a wrongful heir>

— wrong·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— wrong·ful·ness noun

Examples of WRONGFUL

1. He is suing his former employer for wrongful termination.
2. <charged with wrongful possession of narcotics>

First Known Use of WRONGFUL

14th century

Related to WRONGFUL

Synonyms

criminal, felonious, illegitimate, illicit, lawless, unlawful, illegal

Antonyms

lawful, legal, legitimate

Related Words

bad, evil, immoral, shameful, sinful, unethical, wicked, wrong; blamable, blameworthy, censurable, reprehensible; banned, barred, contraband, criminalized, disallowed, discouraged, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; adulterine, bootleg, unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned; under-the-counter, under-the-table; corrupt, unprincipled, unscrupulous, villainous

Near Antonyms

ethical, good, just, principled, right, righteous, virtuous; allowed, permitted; authorized, licensed; approved, endorsed (also indorsed), sanctioned; abetted, encouraged, promoted, suggested, supported; correct, decent, decorous, proper, seemly

Rhymes with WRONGFUL

songful