Containing an error; inaccurate.
erroneous — Definition and meaning
• Derived from an error.
• Mistaken.
• Wandering; erratic.
• Deviating from the requirements of the law, but without a lack of legal authority, thus not illegal.
The importance of erroneous
erroneous appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.
How erroneous is applied
In practice, erroneous is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.