incorrect

adjective

in·​cor·​rect ˌin-kə-ˈrekt 

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 

adverb

incorrectness

ˌin-kə-ˈrek(t)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of incorrect

• wrong
• mistaken
• erroneous

Examples of incorrect in a Sentence

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

And the claim of widespread abuse of sheep during shearing is incorrect. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

Health effects of incorrect ID Not having identification documents with the correct gender marker also poses a safety and health risk. —Noelle Martin, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2026

But there really aren’t any incorrect decisions, as every show promises enlightening sonic rewards. —Bret Saunders, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026

The pressure cooker also has incorrect volume markings on the inner pot. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin incorrectus, from in- + correctus correct

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing incorrect

• politically incorrect

Rhymes for incorrect

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• intersect
• pluperfect

Kids Definition

incorrect

adjective

in·​cor·​rect ˌin-kə-ˈrekt 

: 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 

adverb

incorrectness

-ˈrek(t)-nəs 

noun