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 Volunteer first responders were inadequately trained, leading to the inadvertent mishandling of evidence or incorrect interpretations of physical remains. Michele Kelemen, NPR, 4 Mar. 2024 Instead, Taneja asked a colleague to sign her name with the incorrect date as well. Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2024 Oh, and until now, most of us have probably been using the can opener the same way, which is supposedly incorrect. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2024 Most of the vehicles — nearly 232,000 — are Ranger pickups, for which Ford issued a formal recall in 2023 because of incorrect air bag installation. Detroit Free Press, 25 Feb. 2024 No Penalty for Wrong Answers Maximizing the no-penalty policy for incorrect answers is a strategic advantage. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2024 Tesla recall for incorrect font size on display Tesla is recalling nearly 2.2 million of its Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck vehicles after an incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 After making a promising start at The Genesis Invitational, the American saw his pursuit of a 14th PGA Tour title ended prematurely when he was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard following the second round in California last week. Jack Bantock, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024 Air Canada recently lost a small claims court case in Canada against a passenger who received incorrect information from a chatbot about the carrier’s bereavement policy, reported Forbes senior contributor Marisa Garcia. Cio, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incorrect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near incorrect

Cite this Entry

“Incorrect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incorrect. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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