wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl 

1

: wrong, unjust

2

a

: having no legal sanction : unlawful

b

: having no legal claim

a wrongful heir

wrongfully

ˈrȯŋ-fə-lē 

adverb

wrongfulness noun

Synonyms

• criminal
• felonious
• illegal
• illegitimate
• illicit
• lawless
• unlawful

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

Her lawsuit includes accusations of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025

Oh, and one other fact: Florida has more wrongful convictions than any other state. —Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025

Key provisions include: Mandating law enforcement uphold custody rights and prevent wrongful denial, reducing emotional distress for children. —Chris Felder, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025

Harrison said Wednesday a separate effort is ongoing to seek compensation from the state for their wrongful convictions. —CBS News, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing wrongful

• wrongful birth
• wrongful death

Kids Definition

wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl 

1

: wrong entry 2 sense 1

a wrongful act

2

: unlawful

wrongful possession of another's property

wrongfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

wrongfulness noun

Legal Definition

wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl 

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