incorrect

incorrect — adjective

1. Containing mistakes or not matching the facts — used about answers, calculations

1.形容詞A2
釋義

Containing mistakes or not matching the facts — used about answers, calculations, statements, or beliefs that are not right.

例句

Tomás gave an incorrect answer during the math test and lost two points.

attributive: incorrect + noun (answer, data, statement)

Aiko's cost estimate was incorrect because she forgot to include the shipping fees.

predicative: be + incorrect

同義詞
  • wrong

    Less formal and more common in everyday speech; can sound stronger or more personal.

  • false

    Often implies deception or a deliberate lie, rather than an honest mistake.

  • inaccurate

    Suggests the answer or information is close to correct but not exact.

  • erroneous

    Very formal; used mainly in technical, legal, or academic writing.

反義詞
  • correct

    Neutral and direct opposite; common in all contexts.

  • accurate

    Emphasises precision and exactness rather than simple right-or-wrong.

  • right

    Less formal than 'correct'; common in everyday conversation.

文法句型

incorrect + noun

be + incorrect

it + be + incorrect + to-infinitive

用法筆記

More formal than 'wrong'. 'Incorrect' is neutral about intent — it does not suggest deception, unlike 'false'. Common in academic and professional writing.

常見錯誤

❌The test results are false' (when you mean they have mistakes).
✅The test results are incorrect.
💡'false' suggests deliberate deception or a lie; 'incorrect' is neutral about intent.

2. Not suitable or proper according to accepted social or professional standards —

2.形容詞B2
釋義

Not suitable or proper according to accepted social or professional standards — used about behaviour, language, clothing, or actions that break the rules of a situation.

例句

It is considered incorrect to wear casual clothes to a formal wedding ceremony.

it + be + considered + incorrect + to-infinitive

The diplomat's remarks were politically incorrect and caused a public apology.

collocation: politically incorrect

同義詞
  • improper

    Very similar in meaning and formality; often interchangeable with this sense.

  • inappropriate

    More common in everyday use; slightly broader in meaning.

  • unacceptable

    Stronger — suggests the behaviour cannot be tolerated at all.

反義詞
  • proper

    Direct opposite; used in the same formal contexts.

  • appropriate

    More common and slightly less formal than 'proper'.

  • acceptable

    Softer; means the behaviour is allowed even if not ideal.

文法句型

incorrect + noun (behaviour, remark, conduct)

be + incorrect

it + be + incorrect + to-infinitive

politically incorrect

用法筆記

Typically found in formal descriptions of behaviour, manners, or professional conduct. In everyday conversation, 'inappropriate' or 'not right' are more common. The fixed phrase 'politically incorrect' is an exception — it is widely used in informal media.

常見錯誤

❌His clothing was wrong for the ceremony' (acceptable but informal).
✅His clothing was incorrect for the ceremony.
💡'incorrect' is more precise for formal social rules and expectations.