# incorrectly

/ˌɪnkɝˈɛktɫi/ (US) · /ɪnkəɹˈɛktli/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incorrectly
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

in a way that is not right or true. You use this when someone makes a mistake or does something the wrong way.

For teachers: in a manner that is not accurate or does not follow the correct rules.

## Examples

- He spelled my name incorrectly on the form.
- The machine stopped working because the battery was inserted incorrectly by the user.
- If the data is entered incorrectly at the start of the process, the final report will be completely unreliable regardless of the software used.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He did it incorrect" but "He did it incorrectly" — Learners often use the adjective 'incorrect' when the adverb 'incorrectly' is required to modify a verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb or the direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.