erroneous

adjective

er·​ro·​ne·​ous i-ˈrō-nē-əs 

e-

1

: containing or characterized by error : mistaken

erroneous assumptions

gave an erroneous impression

2

archaic : wandering

erroneously adverb

erroneousness noun

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How to Define Erroneous

Erroneous basically means "containing errors", and, since most of us are constantly suffering from mistaken notions, the word is often used in front of words such as "assumption" and "idea". It's also used to describe the kind of mistaken information that can lead to erroneous theories, erroneous conclusions, and erroneous decisions.

Synonyms of erroneous

• inaccurate
• incorrect
• wrong
• false

Examples of erroneous in a Sentence

When you're done, the programs scour your return for potential problems and erroneous data and let you correct them. Then, poof! Either print out your 1040 and related documents or follow the software prompts to file electronically. —Kathy Yakal, PC Magazine, 9 Mar. 1999

Here we come face-to-face with the uncompromising rules of golf as Mr. Dobereiner recounts how Roberto de Vincenzo lost the 1968 Masters Tournament by a single stroke because he signed an erroneous scorecard. —Robert R. Harris, New York Times Book Review, 21 Oct. 1984

To say truth, nothing is more erroneous than the common observation, that men who are ill-natured and quarrelsome when they are drunk, are very worthy persons when they are sober: for drink, in reality, doth not reverse nature, or create passions in men which did not exist in them before. —Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, 1749

a poorly researched news article about the new virus that was filled with much erroneous information

Recent Examples on the Web

How to opt out Incorporating AI directly into Gmail could pose risks for Google, given that large language models can sometimes present erroneous or misleading information. —Julia Doyle, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

The complaint goes on to state that immediately after the erroneous payment was recognized, the governor’s office attempted to reverse the direct deposits, but could not do so due to Cook having insufficient funds in his accounts. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

The reason for most of these erroneous payments stems from the state’s long-standing practice to pay employees in advance of the end of the monthly pay period. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Quick hits — Canales told reporters that the refs in the Panthers’ loss to the Bucs on Saturday never gave the Panthers the chance to replay a critical down after an erroneous whistle stopped it dead. —Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin erroneus, from erron-, erro wanderer, from errare — see err

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing erroneous

• in the mistaken/erroneous belief that

Rhymes for erroneous

• felonious
• harmonious
• peroneus
• polonius
• acrimonious
• ceremonious
• inharmonious
• parsimonious
• sanctimonious
• unceremonious

Kids Definition

erroneous

adjective

er·​ro·​ne·​ous ir-ˈō-nē-əs 

e-ˈrō-

: being wrong or inaccurate

especially : being or containing an error

an erroneous report

erroneously adverb

erroneousness noun

Legal Definition

erroneous

adjective

er·​ro·​ne·​ous i-ˈrō-nē-əs, e- 

: containing or characterized by error see also clearly erroneous

erroneously adverb

erroneousness noun