wrongful

adjective

wrong·​ful ˈrȯŋ-fəl How to pronounce wrongful (audio)
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.
The percentage of wrongful convictions that include false confessions also leaped when the crime was a homicide. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024 In the year after his release, McCullough won more than $4 million in legal settlements with the state of Illinois, the town of Sycamore and others related to his wrongful conviction, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Sean Neumann, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024 The committee's actions highlight ongoing concerns regarding the application of Texas' junk science law and the role of new scientific evidence in challenging wrongful convictions. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 The company is involved in several legal proceedings, including a breach of contract action filed by ABG Group and a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by a former CEO. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near wrongful

Cite this Entry

“Wrongful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wrongful. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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