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

After his deportation to El Salvador, a tense legal battle ensued over the his wrongful deportation. —Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Another wrongful termination lawsuit has been filed in the wave of firings that followed the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. —Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Dec. 2025

Hamilton County could get dedicated attorneys to review allegations of wrongful convictions. —Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Dec. 2025

Produced by two-time Oscar winner Quentin Tarantino and Jack Auen, The Projectionist follows a reclusive projectionist who is haunted by a wrongful conviction and the loss of his wife. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2025

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