incorrect

adjective

in·​cor·​rect ˌin-kə-ˈrekt How to pronounce incorrect (audio)
1
a
: not true : wrong
incorrect answers
b
: inaccurate, faulty
an incorrect transcription
2
: unbecoming, improper
incorrect behavior
3
obsolete : not corrected or chastened
incorrectly adverb
incorrectness noun

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
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.
Boxer, a co-editor of the new book The Future of Youth Violence Prevention, insists that the larger premise of youth violence increasing is incorrect, as a variety of indicators indicate the overall problem in aggregate is on a steady decline over the last several years. John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 10 Oct. 2025 The letter said the school district restructured its bonds, similar to refinancing a mortgage, and stated the city’s figure of $14 million in state funds was incorrect. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025 Leaf scorch on indoor plants is typically caused by drying drafts, high temperatures, incorrect light choices, or cold stress. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025 Obviously, this is inherently incorrect. Bianca Davino, Refinery29, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incorrect

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of incorrect was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incorrect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incorrect. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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 adverb
incorrectness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on incorrect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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