incorrect

adjective

in·​cor·​rect ˌin-kə-ˈrekt 

1

a

: not true : wrong

incorrect answers

b

: inaccurate, faulty

an incorrect transcription

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

Synonyms

• mistaken
• wrong

Examples of incorrect in a Sentence

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

If a player guesses incorrect groups of words four times, the game ends, and they are defeated. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025

Many patients walk away with incorrect prescriptions. —Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

Too many incorrect calls will sacrifice the integrity of the game. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025

Since taking office in 2020, Garrity estimates her office has flagged nearly $2 billion in improper payments annually, including overpayments, duplicates, or payments to the incorrect recipients. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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