erroneous
Say it: ih-ROH-nee-us /ɪˈroʊniəs/ · adjective
What “erroneous” means
Wrong because of a mistake.
More precisely: Wrong; based on a mistake.
Example: “The erroneous charge disappeared after one call to the bank.”
When to use it
In formal corrections or reports, when a claim, calculation or record contains a mistake.
Memory trick
It shares a root with error. An erroneous answer contains an error.
Similar words
incorrect, mistaken, inaccurate
Where it comes from
From Latin errare, "to wander, err."
Quick check
A weather report says it snowed yesterday, but records show clear sunshine all day. What word describes the report?
erroneous or unexpected?
Show the answer
erroneous
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “erroneous”