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erroneous

adjective
er·​ro·​ne·​ous | \ i-ˈrō-nē-əs How to pronounce erroneous (audio) , e-\

Definition of erroneous

1 : containing or characterized by error : mistaken erroneous assumptions gave an erroneous impression
2 archaic : wandering
Other Words from erroneous Synonyms & Antonyms How to Define Erroneous More Example Sentences Learn More about erroneous

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Other Words from erroneous

erroneously adverb
erroneousness noun

How to Define Erroneous

Erroneous basically means "containing errors", and, since most of us are constantly suffering from mistaken notions, the word is often used in front of words such as "assumption" and "idea". It's also used to describe the kind of mistaken information that can lead to erroneous theories, erroneous conclusions, and erroneous decisions.

Examples of erroneous in a Sentence

When you're done, the programs scour your return for potential problems and erroneous data and let you correct them. Then, poof! Either print out your 1040 and related documents or follow the software prompts to file electronically. — Kathy Yakal, PC Magazine, 9 Mar. 1999 Here we come face-to-face with the uncompromising rules of golf as Mr. Dobereiner recounts how Roberto de Vincenzo lost the 1968 Masters Tournament by a single stroke because he signed an erroneous scorecard. — Robert R. Harris, New York Times Book Review, 21 Oct. 1984 To say truth, nothing is more erroneous than the common observation, that men who are ill-natured and quarrelsome when they are drunk, are very worthy persons when they are sober: for drink, in reality, doth not reverse nature, or create passions in men which did not exist in them before. — Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, 1749 a news article about the new virus that was filled with much erroneous information
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Recent Examples on the Web

 An erroneous alert of a magnitude 9 earthquake was sent in 2016, according to local media. — Emily Baumgaertner, latimes.com, "L.A.’s ShakeAlert earthquake warning app worked exactly as planned. That’s the problem," 15 July 2019 An erroneous alert of a magnitude 9 earthquake was sent in 2016, according to local media. — Los Angeles Times, "L.A.'s ShakeAlert earthquake warning app worked exactly as planned. That’s the problem," 15 July 2019 Authorities in Louisiana said a confrontation between inside a Baton Rouge Walmart Tuesday led to panic in the store and erroneous reports of gunfire as communities across America remain on edge following a pair of mass shootings over the weekend. — Fox News, "Dispute at Louisiana Walmart prompts panic, erroneous shooting reports," 6 Aug. 2019 After decades of friendship, Spinderella has embarked on a smear campaign, and sued her friends, based on blatantly erroneous assertions. — Sarah Michaud, PEOPLE.com, "Spinderella's Salt-N-Pepa Lawsuit Ordered to Mediation as Duo Slams DJ's 'Scorched Earth Approach'," 2 Aug. 2019 The combination of grand assertion and erroneous facts is typical of the man. — The Economist, "Prime Minister Boris Johnson fulfils his dream," 23 July 2019 Donna, another Monday volunteer, helped a Franklin woman sort out a problem with an erroneous $100 early cancellation fee from an internet and TV provider. — Tim Evans, Indianapolis Star, "IndyStar Call for Action's free consumer helpline getting results, altering weekday hours," 15 July 2019 Correction posted March 17, 2017 This article has been updated to correct an erroneous conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit. — The Christian Science Monitor, "Corrections," 4 Mar. 2019 Unfortunately, his reputation is slightly damaged by an uncharacteristically-poor performance in Chile four years prior, French newspaper L'Equipe predicting the end of Yashin's career following an erroneous display against Colombia in a 4-4 draw. — SI.com, "The 50 Greatest Footballers Who Never Won the World Cup," 2 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'erroneous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of erroneous

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for erroneous

Middle English, from Latin erroneus, from erron-, erro wanderer, from errare — see err

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More Definitions for erroneous

erroneous

adjective
How to pronounce erroneous (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of erroneous

formal : not correct

See the full definition for erroneous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

erroneous

adjective
er·​ro·​ne·​ous | \ i-ˈrō-nē-əs How to pronounce erroneous (audio) \

Kids Definition of erroneous

: incorrect sense 1

erroneous

adjective
er·​ro·​ne·​ous | \ i-ˈrō-nē-əs, e- How to pronounce erroneous (audio) \

Legal Definition of erroneous

: containing or characterized by error — see also clearly erroneous

Other Words from erroneous

erroneously adverb
erroneousness noun

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