# wrongfully

/ˈɹɔŋfəɫi/ (US) · /ɹˈɒŋfəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wrongfully
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

in a way that is not fair, legal, or correct. You use this when someone is treated badly or punished for something they did not do.

For teachers: in a manner that is unjust, illegal, or incorrect. Often used to describe the unjust treatment of a person or the improper application of a rule.

## Examples

- He was wrongfully accused of stealing the money.
- The employee was wrongfully fired for a mistake that was actually the manager's fault.
- The legal team argued that the defendant was wrongfully detained for over a month without any formal charges being filed by the authorities.

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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.