incorrect

1 of 2

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

incorrectness

2 of 2

noun

in·​correctness "+ 

: the quality or state of being incorrect

Synonyms of incorrect

Adjective

• wrong
• mistaken
• erroneous

Examples of incorrect in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

That can include circumstances outside the property holder’s control or if the Controller’s Office gave them incorrect information. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

The company says its services can produce incorrect or incomplete information. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Brands must also account for products with defects such as stains, mold and incorrect labels—issues that need to be remediated or repaired before the product reaches the consumer. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

On the shop floor, an incorrect recommendation can influence quality, safety, production, customers and financial performance. — Claudio Laterreur, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

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