wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl 

1

: wrong, unjust

2

a

: having no legal sanction : unlawful

b

: having no legal claim

a wrongful heir

wrongfully

ˈrȯŋ-fə-lē 

adverb

wrongfulness noun

Synonyms of wrongful

• unlawful
• illegal
• criminal
• illicit
• felonious

Examples of wrongful in a Sentence

He is suing his former employer for wrongful termination.

charged with wrongful possession of narcotics

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, in 2017 the state agreed to pay $248,000 to settle a wrongful termination suit against Cruz by a former prosecutor. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

In an explosive legal battle, Letty Kavanagh, former managing director of Bake Off producer Love Productions, is suing for wrongful dismissal and unpaid severance in two separate courts. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026

The trauma that the state imposed on Duncan as a result of his wrongful conviction continues today. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026

In a statement given to the The Athletic on Wednesday, Hampshire Police confirmed that Sterling had been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wrongful

• wrongful birth
• wrongful death

Kids Definition

wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl 

1

: wrong entry 2 sense 1

a wrongful act

2

: unlawful

wrongful possession of another's property

wrongfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

wrongfulness noun

Legal Definition

wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl 

1

: constituting a wrong

especially : injurious to the rights of another

a wrongful act or omission

2

: unlawful

remained in wrongful occupation of the property

a wrongful occupant

wrongfully adverb

wrongfulness noun