definitively wrong

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitively wrong" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to assert that something is unquestionably incorrect or false. Example: "The claim that the Earth is flat is definitively wrong based on extensive scientific evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Those who feared the venues would lack for atmosphere were proved definitively wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

And yet the scene on board the Millennium Falcon in which Ehrenreich calmly predicts he and his crew are safe and sound – only to be proved swiftly and definitively wrong as a horrifying vision of tangled space tentacles heaves into view – looks like exactly the kind of effervescent footage a free-form approach to film-making might produce.

The Guardian - Film

Of course, if no one in power ever takes your advice it is quite hard to be proved definitively wrong.

HuffPost

His parents had been worried about KA's memory, attention, and concentration since he was a child, but they had never been able to find anything definitively wrong with him.

Vice

For me, all hypotheses that invoke the transmutation of one domain (in its modern form) into another are definitively wrong.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The method of Wen and Yu which consists of simultaneously eliminating the bed voidage at minimum fluidization and particle sphericity from the minimum fluidization velocity calculation remains definitively scientifically wrong and should be avoided.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

It finds gypsies in slums near cities, from the Hashish district near railroad yards outside Cairo - definitively the wrong side of the tracks - to a 20-year-old "temporary" settlement in Granada.

The New York Times - Arts

In 2014, Bill Maher coined the term "zombie lies," which are political statements that are definitively proven wrong yet refuse to die.

Huffington Post

"This is entirely, absolutely and definitively incorrect".

The New York Times

Some actions and attitudes are definitively right or wrong; but people themselves are complicated.

The Guardian

Or should they focus on their own observations and valiantly seek explanations for an island universe containing a small cluster of galaxies floating within an unchanging sea of darkness — a conception of the cosmos that we know definitively to be wrong?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitively wrong" when you want to emphasize that something has been proven incorrect beyond any reasonable doubt. It's stronger than simply saying something is 'wrong'.

Common error

Avoid using "definitively wrong" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly assertive or repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "categorically false" or "absolutely incorrect" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitively wrong" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective, modifying a statement or claim to indicate it is absolutely and undeniably incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a sense of certainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitively wrong" is used to express that something is undoubtedly incorrect, as validated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, its frequency is uncommon, appearing most often in news and media contexts. When using it, ensure you have strong evidence to support your claim, and be mindful of overuse. Consider alternatives such as "categorically false" or "absolutely incorrect" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

categorically false

Emphasizes the clear and unambiguous nature of the falsehood.

absolutely incorrect

Highlights the complete lack of correctness.

unequivocally wrong

Stresses the absence of any ambiguity in the error.

indisputably false

Suggests that the falseness is beyond any reasonable argument.

demonstrably untrue

Implies that the incorrectness can be proven.

patently wrong

Indicates that the error is obvious and easily apparent.

conclusively disproven

Highlights that the incorrectness has been established through evidence.

decisively refuted

Emphasizes the finality and completeness of the rejection.

certainly not right

Offers a milder yet firm assertion of something being incorrect.

assuredly mistaken

Suggests a confident assessment of error.

FAQs

How can I use "definitively wrong" in a sentence?

You can use "definitively wrong" to state that something is undoubtedly incorrect. For example, "The claim that vaccines cause autism is "definitively wrong" based on scientific evidence."

What are some alternatives to saying "definitively wrong"?

Alternatives include "categorically false", "absolutely incorrect", or "unequivocally wrong". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "definitively wrong" in formal writing?

Yes, "definitively wrong" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to strongly assert that something is incorrect and you have evidence to support your claim. However, ensure the tone remains objective and professional.

What's the difference between "definitively wrong" and "probably wrong"?

"Definitively wrong" means something has been proven incorrect, whereas "probably wrong" suggests a high likelihood of being incorrect but without conclusive proof. The former is much stronger and requires solid evidence.