go wrong

idiom

1
: to happen or proceed in a way that causes a bad result
We have to figure out what went wrong with the experiment.
Everything is going wrong for me today.
When she didn't come back, we feared that something had gone horribly wrong.
2
: to make a mistake
I followed the instructions to the letter and the computer still doesn't work. Where did I go wrong?
"I don't know what to order." "Their clam chowder is good. You can't go wrong with there."

Examples of go wrong in a Sentence

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.
A lot can go wrong with a sump pump, from electrical problems to clogs and malfunctioning switches. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 What could possibly go wrong when the Saints come marching in? Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Much can still go wrong with the peace plan and key steps have yet to be agreed, including Hamas giving up its weapons and how Gaza will be ruled. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Look only to the Bengals, Panthers, Browns and Jets, Sunday’s opponent, for examples of what can go wrong with owners with short pockets, short tempers and/or outsized influence from the unqualified and incompetent. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for go wrong

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Cite this Entry

“Go wrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20wrong. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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