Definition of ERRONEOUS (original) (raw)
1
: containing or characterized by error : mistaken
gave an erroneous impression
Did you know?
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.
Synonyms
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 poorly researched news article about the new virus that was filled with much erroneous information
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Between the lines: Republicans have argued vigorously that the apostrophe placed in the transcript is erroneous and that Biden was actually criticizing individual Trump voters. —Andrew Solender, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 The billionaire responded to reports that he would not be invited to the U.K.’s investment summit with false claims about the release of prisoners in the country, following a trend of erroneous and inflammatory comments directed at the U.K. in recent months. —Chloe Berger, Fortune Europe, 26 Sep. 2024 But that’s not always true: A new study shows patients can often reap financial benefits by disputing charges that seem erroneous or by negotiating for financial relief. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2024 But that nickname has a negative connotation that is clearly erroneous, given the enormous overnight popularity of this cycling niche. —Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for erroneous 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin erroneus, from erron-, erro wanderer, from errare — see err
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of erroneous was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near erroneous
Cite this Entry
“Erroneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erroneous. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Share
More from Merriam-Webster on erroneous
Last Updated: 11 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!