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

The Innocence Project, which uses DNA and other scientific evidence to prove wrongful convictions, is partnering with the Broadway production. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 13 Jan. 2026

However, the technology has been misused, even generating false identifications and wrongful arrests. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026

In total, authorities say the maintenance worker received nearly $40,000 in wrongful payments. —Dan Raby, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

About 34 years after his original wrongful conviction, Willie Donald’s case against the city of Gary and others has been dismissed. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 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