Erroneous decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Erroneous decision" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a decision that is incorrect or based on a mistake. Example: The committee's erroneous decision led to significant consequences. Alternative expressions include "incorrect decision" and "mistaken decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"We urge the U.S. side to correct its erroneous decision".

The New York Times

There is no one to sue the prosecutor for an erroneous decision Not to prosecute.

Cornell University

The case being before us, however, its resolution by the majority is another erroneous decision.

The New York Times

Gerhard Gruber, has assumed full responsibility for his own erroneous decision to reassign" Father Hullermann.

The New York Times

For an erroneous decision that did not appear upon the record there was no redress by writ of error.

Cornell University

(b) A motion for reconsideration must be accompanied by a supporting brief and must describe specifically each allegedly erroneous decision.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Various companies — think Turing Pharmaceuticals, Valeant or Theranos — seem to have missed the lesson on not becoming a textbook case study in mistakes or erroneous decision-making.

The Washington Post

Because sampling is being used, the probabilities of erroneous decisions need to be considered.

Britannica

This task is not exempt of erroneous decisions caused by human limitations inherent to project managers.

Expert Systems with Applications

Society's interest in minimizing erroneous decisions in equitable apportionment cases requires that hard facts, not suppositions or opinions, be the basis for interstate diversions.

Cornell University

The probabilities of the erroneous decisions of Type 1 and Type 2 on the batch quality were calculated from these distributions.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for technical, legal or professional writing to maintain an objective tone.

Common error

Avoid combining it with other adjectives that imply the same thing, such as 'incorrect erroneous decision'. Additionally, avoid using it in very casual conversation where 'mistake' or 'bad call' would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Erroneous decision" functions as a noun phrase consisting of an attributive adjective followed by a singular countable noun. In most examples found in Ludwig, it serves as either the direct object of a verb (e.g. 'made an erroneous decision') or the subject of a passive construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A comprehensive review of Ludwig's data reveals that "Erroneous decision" is a robust and sophisticated tool for professional writing. It consistently appears in high-stakes environments—ranging from the US Supreme Court rulings to advanced wireless communications research—where it is used to pinpoint errors with precision. While perfectly interchangeable with "incorrect decision", it carries a more scholarly and authoritative weight. Writers should use it to maintain a neutral yet firm critical stance when analyzing flawed outcomes in professional, legal or scientific documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incorrect judgment

Provides a more neutral tone suitable for general or clinical assessments.

Mistaken decision

Slightly less formal, often implying a simple error in fact rather than logic.

Flawed conclusion

Focuses on the logical end-point rather than the act of deciding.

Wrongful ruling

Specifically used in judicial or official contexts to imply a breach of standards.

Fallacious choice

Emphasizes that the decision was based on a logical fallacy.

Inaccurate determination

Focuses on the lack of precision or factual correctness in a finding.

Faulty resolution

Suggests that the process of resolving a problem was defective.

Misguided step

Implies a lack of proper direction or wisdom behind the action.

Oversight

Suggests the error happened because something was ignored or missed.

Blunder

A much more informal and emphatic word for a serious, often embarrassing mistake.

FAQs

How do I use "Erroneous decision" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a professional error, such as: 'The referee's "erroneous decision" cost the team the championship match'.

What can I say instead of "Erroneous decision"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "incorrect judgment", "mistaken decision" or "flawed conclusion".

Is "Erroneous decision" formal?

Yes, it is a formal phrase. In casual settings, it is more common to use "wrong choice" or "mistake".

What is the difference between an "Erroneous decision" and a "Wrongful ruling"?

While an "Erroneous decision" refers to any mistake in choosing, a "wrongful ruling" is specific to a court of law or an official body's formal decree.