Definition

Adjective: 1. Stubbornly holding to an incorrect opinion or course of action; perverse in judgment: Characterized by obstinate adherence to a mistaken or unreasonable view, policy, or belief.

Usage

The adjective "wrongheaded" is used to describe a person, their attitude, or their ideas (such as a plan, policy, or belief) that are not only incorrect but are also stubbornly maintained despite evidence or reason. It implies a combination of error and obstinacy. * It typically precedes a noun (e.g., a wrongheaded idea) or follows a linking verb like "is" or "seems" (e.g., His approach is wrongheaded). * It carries a critical or disapproving tone.

Examples

• The editorial criticized the mayor's wrongheaded approach to urban development, which ignored expert advice.
• She clung to her wrongheaded belief despite all the scientific data presented to her.
• It would be wrongheaded to assume the problem will solve itself without intervention.

Advanced Usage

• "To be wrongheaded in one's insistence/conviction/belief": This structure emphasizes the specific area of stubborn error.
  • He was wrongheaded in his insistence that the project required no additional funding.

Variants and Related Words

• Wrongheadedly (adverb): In a wrongheaded manner.
  • He wrongheadedly pursued the lawsuit despite his lawyer's counsel.
• Wrongheadedness (noun): The quality or state of being wrongheaded.
  • The wrongheadedness of the policy became apparent when it failed to produce results.

Synonyms

• Perverse: Willfully determined to act in a way that is unreasonable or contrary to expectations.
• Obstinate: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.
• Misguided: Based on faulty judgment or understanding. (Note: "Misguided" suggests error but not necessarily the same level of stubbornness as "wrongheaded").
• Irrational: Not logical or reasonable.

Antonyms

• Sensible
• Rational
• Reasonable
• Open-minded

Adjective

1. obstinately perverse in judgment or opinion
   • a wrongheaded policy