erroneous
- 01 C1 Advanced
wrong or based on a mistake.
containing or derived from an error; inaccurate or based on a false premise.
Simple“The newspaper had to apologize for the erroneous information in yesterday's report.”
In context“The researcher's conclusions were ultimately found to be erroneous because the initial data set had been contaminated during collection.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
Teacher's tipLearners often use 'wrong' or 'incorrect' in every situation; 'erroneous' is a high-level alternative for formal writing, especially when discussing logic or data.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
describes a legal decision that follows the rules but is still wrong in some way.
deviating from the specific requirements of the law while still maintaining legal authority; not necessarily void or illegal.
Simple“The judge's ruling was considered erroneous, but it remained in effect until the appeal.”
In context“The appellate court determined that while the lower court's procedure was erroneous, the error did not significantly prejudice the outcome of the trial.”
Teacher's tipThis is a highly specialized legal sense. In general English, the word simply means 'wrong'.
Synonymsprocedurally flawed
“It becomes a lot tougher if mum or dad is being fed mixed and erroneous messages about the benefits and harms of vaccination.”
From late Middle English erroneous, from Middle French erroneux, from Latin erroneus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.