wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
Synonyms of wrongfulnext
1
2
a
: having no legal sanction : unlawful
b
: having no legal claim
a wrongful heir
wrongfully adverb
wrongfulness noun

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
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.
Tony Award nominee Ephraim Sykes (Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations) will join Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson in the upcoming Broadway production of Lindsey Ferrentino’s wrongful conviction drama The Fear of 13, producers announced today. Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026 Johnson’s Law Department settled 176 wrongful conviction cases involving disgraced former police Sgt. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Almodovar was awarded a $17 million settlement for his wrongful conviction in the case last year. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 Following her termination, Wise filed a lawsuit against the county alleging libel, wrongful termination and tortious interference, according to court documents. Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wrongful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wrongful was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Wrongful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongful. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

wrongful

adjective
wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
1
: wrong entry 2 sense 1
a wrongful act
2
: unlawful
wrongful possession of another's property
wrongfully adverb
wrongfulness noun

Legal Definition

wrongful

adjective
wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on wrongful

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