Word
erroneous
Phoneticser·ro·neous
US/ɛˈɹoʊniəs/
UK/ɛɹˈəʊniəs/
Definitions
01incorrect or mistaken
C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic
adj. wrong or based on a mistake.
adj. containing or derived from an error; inaccurate or based on a false premise.
“The newspaper had to apologize for the erroneous information in yesterday's report.”
“The researcher's conclusions were ultimately found to be erroneous because the initial data set had been contaminated during collection.”
02legal but flawed
C2 · Proficiency Law Technical · Formal
adj. describes a legal decision that follows the rules but is still wrong in some way.
adj. deviating from the specific requirements of the law while still maintaining legal authority; not necessarily void or illegal.
“The judge's ruling was considered erroneous, but it remained in effect until the appeal.”
“The appellate court determined that while the lower court's procedure was erroneous, the error did not significantly prejudice the outcome of the trial.”
Synonyms
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'assumption', 'conclusion', or 'belief'.
Pitfall
He made an erroneous.
He made an error.
Erroneous is an adjective and must modify a noun; it cannot be used as a noun itself.
Real-World Examples
“It becomes a lot tougher if mum or dad is being fed mixed and erroneous messages about the benefits and harms of vaccination.” “Interestingly, these erroneous memories became stable over time.” Etymology
From late Middle English erroneous, from Middle French erroneux, from Latin erroneus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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