WordGarden.iowrong
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɒŋ/
US
- /ˈrɔŋ/
Meanings
Adjective
incorrect, untrue, or not the intended one
mistaken in belief, judgment, or understanding
morally bad, unjust, or improper
Noun
an injustice, wrongdoing, or harm done to someone
Adverb
incorrectly or in the wrong way
Beyond the definition
Something is "wrong" when it isn't right – whether that's an answer on a test, a broken machine, or an unfair action. You might do something wrong accidentally, like taking a wrong turn while driving, or intentionally, like telling a lie. A "wrong" decision can lead to bad consequences, and sometimes correcting a wrong takes courage and effort. Think of it as the opposite of "right" – a deviation from what is expected, accurate, or morally acceptable.
The word "wrong" seems simple enough, but its meaning ripples through many aspects of life. At its core, "wrong" signifies something that deviates from correctness, truth, or justice. It can describe an error in fact – like a wrong answer on an exam, or a faulty calculation. Imagine a clock ticking with the wrong time; it's not functioning as intended.
But "wrong" goes deeper than just factual errors. It also encompasses moral and ethical failings. A wrong action is one that violates principles of fairness, honesty, or kindness. To do someone wrong means to treat them unfairly or cause them harm. Think of a historical injustice – something undeniably wrong that needs to be addressed.
"Wrong" can also describe a mistaken path or direction. "You took the wrong road" implies that you're headed somewhere unintended. It's often used in situations involving choices and consequences: "I knew I was making a wrong decision, but I felt trapped."
The word even has legal implications. A wrongdoing can be grounds for a lawsuit, and seeking redress for wrongs is a fundamental part of the justice system. You might say someone was "wrongly accused," meaning they were falsely blamed for something.
So, whether it's a simple mistake, an ethical lapse, a misdirection, or a legal offense – "wrong" signals a departure from what should be, prompting us to correct, learn, and strive for what is right.
Examples
- 1
Phone number
I think you have the wrong number.
- 2
Directions
The map was wrong, so we got lost.
- 3
Schedule mistake
I was wrong about the meeting time.
- Patternwrong about + thing
mistaken about it
- 4
Answers
Don't worry if you get a few answers wrong.
- Patternget something wrong
make a mistake about it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Payment problem
Something must have gone wrong with the payment.
- Phrasego wrong
stop working or not happen as planned
- 6
Physical problem
What's wrong with your shoulder?
- Phrasewhat's wrong with ...?
what problem does ... have?
- 7
Asking for help
There's nothing wrong with asking for help.
- Phrasethere's nothing wrong with ...
it is acceptable
- 8
Moral reaction
It felt wrong to lie to her.
- 9
Moral judgment
At that age, children are still learning the difference between right and wrong.
- Phraseright and wrong
what is morally acceptable and unacceptable
- 10
Spelling
You spelled my name wrong.
- Usage
in everyday English, wrong often follows verbs like spell, say, or guess
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- wrongnounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- worstsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun
- worsecomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- wrongspluralnounverbadjective
- wrongedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- wronging-ing formverbnounadjective