What does wrongheadedly mean?
Wrongheadedly is an adverb meaning in a misguided or ill-judged manner. It describes conduct based on mistaken assumptions, poor judgment, or stubborn disregard for contrary evidence, rather than mere carelessness. A person may therefore act wrongheadedly by persistently pursuing a plan that sound advice has already shown to be unsound. The word is more pointed than foolishly because it suggests misplaced confidence in a bad idea, and more formal than rashly, though it is close in meaning. Although wrongheadedly can apply to thinking, speaking, and acting, it is especially common with decisions and policies. The expression is used in British and American English, although the adjective wrong-headed is more frequent than the adverb. For precision, it should not be confused with wrongfully, which refers to acting unlawfully or unfairly rather than misguidedly. Knowing the word helps identify the difference between an action that may be unfortunate and one presented as the product of confidently mistaken judgment.
adverbIn a mistaken or ill-judged manner, especially through misplaced confidence in a bad idea or stubborn disregard for better judgment.
- In a misguided or ill-judged manner.
"The committee wrongheadedly rejected the proposal without seeking further evidence."
"The council acted wrongheadedly by ignoring repeated warnings from independent experts."
"She dismissed the criticism wrongheadedly, assuming that anyone who questioned the plan had not understood it."
A wrong-headed decision may look bold; wrongheadedly reveals that the judgment behind it was mistaken.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wrongheadedly
The English compound wrong-headed combines wrong with headed, an older formation based on head. Wrong descends from Old Norse rangr, meaning crooked or contrary to what is proper, while head comes from the Germanic word for the upper part of the body. The compound adjective developed in English, and wrongheadedly was formed adverbially with the usual -ly suffix.
Related word forms
How wrongheadedly is actually used
The adverb is relatively uncommon compared with the more familiar adjective wrong-headed. It is formal to neutral in register and carries a critical or evaluative connotation, implying that the person involved could reasonably have known better.
Easily confused with wrongheadedly
Wrongheadedly describes action guided by mistaken judgment, whereas wrongfully describes action that is unlawful or unfair.