16 Other Ways to Say INCORRECT (Examples)

You often need different ways to say something is incorrect without repeating the same word. Words like wrong, false, or mistaken can make your sentences more natural and interesting. Using synonyms helps you sound clear and professional while keeping your writing easy to read. In this article, we will explore 16 simple alternatives to say incorrect with examples.

16 Different Ways to Say INCORRECT: Another Word for Incorrect

Wrong

Wrong is the most common way to say something is not correct. It works in almost any situation where you want to point out an error or mistake. You can use it in casual conversations, work emails, or even in tests. It is simple, clear, and easy to understand for everyone. Wrong is very direct and leaves no confusion about what you mean. It also fits well when explaining small mistakes or bigger errors.

• Your answer is wrong, please try again.
• The directions you followed were wrong.
• I think you picked the wrong option.

False

False is often used when something is untrue or misleading. It is a more formal way of saying incorrect, especially in writing or discussions. You can use it to describe facts, statements, or information that is not accurate. False gives a sense of being officially or objectively incorrect. It works well when you want to sound serious and professional. It can also be used in logic, tests, or reports to show something is not true.

• The claim about the product is false.
• That statement is false according to the report.
• It is false that he left the office early.

Mistaken

Mistaken describes when someone has made an error or misunderstood something. It is polite and softer than saying wrong. You can use it when addressing people’s errors without sounding harsh. Mistaken works well in personal and professional conversations. It also shows understanding that errors can happen naturally. Using mistaken often makes your writing or speech sound thoughtful and gentle.

• I was mistaken about the meeting time.
• You are mistaken if you think that plan will work.
• She realized she was mistaken in her assumption.

Inaccurate

Inaccurate is ideal when something is not precise or correct. It works well for facts, measurements, or details. You can use inaccurate in reports, emails, or discussions where exactness matters. It signals that the information is not reliable or exact. Inaccurate is professional and clear, making it suitable for serious situations. It also emphasizes attention to detail and correctness.

• The report contains inaccurate numbers.
• His memory of the event was inaccurate.
• The map is inaccurate for navigation.

Faulty

Faulty is used when something does not work properly or is wrong because of a defect. It works well for objects, systems, or arguments that are flawed. Using faulty gives the sense that something needs fixing or correcting. It can describe technical mistakes or logical errors. Faulty is professional and can be used in work or technical writing. It also suggests improvement or repair is needed.

• The machine stopped because of a faulty part.
• Your reasoning is faulty in this argument.
• The plan is faulty and needs revising.

Untrue

Untrue is simple and easy to understand. It means something is not correct or accurate. You can use it for statements, rumors, or beliefs. Untrue works in both casual conversations and formal writing. It sounds natural and friendly while still pointing out an error. Using untrue is direct and clear, making it great for explaining facts or correcting someone.

• That rumor about him is untrue.
• Her statement was completely untrue.
• It is untrue that the project is finished.

Off

Off is a casual and informal way to say incorrect. It works well when something is slightly wrong or not exactly right. You can use it in everyday conversation or light writing. Off is simple and makes your message easy to understand. It gives a sense of small mistakes rather than serious errors. It is friendly and non-harsh.

• Your guess is a little off.
• The answer is off by a few points.
• The timing of the event is off.

Improper

Improper is used when something is not correct according to rules, norms, or expectations. It works in formal and polite situations. You can use it for behavior, methods, or actions that are wrong. Improper shows that the mistake is about following the right way. It can be professional or casual depending on context. It emphasizes correctness according to standards.

• It is improper to speak loudly in the library.
• The format of the document is improper.
• Using that tool here is improper.

Invalid

Invalid is often used when something is officially not correct or not accepted. It works for documents, arguments, or statements that do not meet rules. Using invalid is professional and clear. It shows that the information or choice cannot be trusted or used. It is suitable for legal, formal, and technical contexts.

• The coupon is invalid after the expiration date.
• Your ticket is invalid without a signature.
• That argument is invalid because it lacks proof.

Misguided

Misguided is a polite way to say incorrect or wrong. It often refers to ideas, plans, or actions. You can use it to show someone made a mistake but in a gentle way. Misguided works in personal and professional conversations. It highlights that the error came from poor judgment or understanding. It makes your feedback kind and thoughtful.

• His decision was misguided but well-intentioned.
• That approach is misguided for solving this issue.
• The advice she gave was misguided.

Erroneous

Erroneous is a formal way to describe something as incorrect. It is perfect for writing, reports, or technical discussions. You can use it to highlight mistakes in facts, statements, or calculations. Erroneous sounds precise and professional. It also gives a serious tone when pointing out errors. Using erroneous makes your explanation clear and credible.

• The report contains erroneous information.
• His calculation was erroneous.
• That statement is entirely erroneous.

Defective

Defective refers to something being wrong due to a flaw or problem. It is often used for products, objects, or systems. Using defective signals that the item or idea cannot function properly. It works in technical, professional, and everyday contexts. Defective also suggests the need for replacement or correction.

• The phone is defective and won’t turn on.
• This defective product must be returned.
• The machine stopped because of a defective part.

Flawed

Flawed shows that something is not correct because it has mistakes or weaknesses. You can use it for plans, ideas, reasoning, or objects. Flawed is professional yet easy to understand. It emphasizes that the error comes from imperfections rather than total failure. Flawed is gentle and clear when explaining errors.

• The argument is flawed in many ways.
• His plan is flawed but fixable.
• This design is flawed and needs improvement.

Bogus

Bogus is an informal word that means incorrect or fake. It works for ideas, documents, or claims. Using bogus adds a casual and friendly tone. It is often used to show disbelief or to warn someone. Bogus is simple, easy, and fun to use in conversations or informal writing.

• That offer is bogus.
• The document is bogus.
• His story sounds bogus.

Unsound

Unsound means something is not correct because it is weak or unreliable. You can use it for ideas, arguments, or plans. Unsound is formal and professional. It signals caution and careful thinking. Using unsound is great for explaining mistakes logically and clearly.

• The proposal is unsound and needs revision.
• His reasoning is unsound.
• That conclusion is unsound.

Misstated

Misstated is used when information is not correct because it was wrongly reported or explained. It works in formal, academic, and professional writing. Misstated helps show errors without blaming someone directly. It also emphasizes that the information needs correction. Misstated is clear, accurate, and professional.

• The facts were misstated in the report.
• His salary was misstated in the contract.
• The date of the event was misstated.

Table of Synonyms for Incorrect

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide makes it easy for you to use different words instead of incorrect. Using synonyms helps you sound clear, professional, and natural. Words like wrong, mistaken, false, or flawed can fit many situations. Remember, using the right synonym makes your sentences more engaging and easier to understand. Keep this list handy to improve both writing and speaking confidently.