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

• wrong
• mistaken
• erroneous

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

The remarks were interpreted by many on the right as an incorrect classification of Robinson’s beliefs and a direct or indirect placement of blame for Kirk’s murder on extreme-right politics. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

The employee later said Buttgereit had the right to dispute the bill but gave her an incorrect deadline. —Katheryn Houghton, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

Estes said the latter detail was incorrect. —Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025

However, former Formula One driver and broadcaster Ralf Schumacher has asked the Briton to take the blame for the reportedly incorrect tire choice that caused the setback. —Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 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