go wrong
idiom
1
: to happen or proceed in a way that causes a bad result
We have to figure out what went wrong with the experiment.
Everything is going wrong for me today.
When she didn't come back, we feared that something had gone horribly wrong.
2
: to make a mistake
I followed the instructions to the letter and the computer still doesn't work. Where did I go wrong?
"I don't know what to order." "Their clam chowder is good. You can't go wrong with there."
Examples of go wrong in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Knowing how to avoid or navigate potential issues with foodborne illness or environmental exposure is a vital part of enjoying one’s summer, as is knowing where to turn should something go wrong.
—
Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 25 Jan. 2026
However, this raises concerns about maintenance if the batteries go wrong.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
A little sweet, a little boozy—what could go wrong?
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, their upstairs neighbors are about to arrive for dinner, and everything that can go wrong goes worse.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for go wrong
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ethan Stone, Ascend Agency, 25 Jan. 2026
However, this raises concerns about maintenance if the batteries go wrong.
—James Morris, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
A little sweet, a little boozy—what could go wrong?
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2026
Unfortunately, their upstairs neighbors are about to arrive for dinner, and everything that can go wrong goes worse.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for go wrong
Cite this Entry
“Go wrong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20wrong. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
