wrongful

What it means

1. wrong or unjust

   And now, with the tyranny of wrongful power, "The loathsome mark has fallen, the mall remains Sceptreless, free, uncircumscribed, but man Equal, unclassed, tribeless, and nationless, Exempt from awe, worship, degree, the king Over himself; just, gentle, wise."

   1913, Sydney Waterlow, Shelley

   Synonyms: iniquitous, unfair · Antonyms: just, right

2. unlawful or illegal

   Synonyms: illicit, nonlawful, crimeful, criminal, illegal, illegitimate, illicit, lawbreaking · Antonyms: rightful

In a sentence

And now, with the tyranny of wrongful power, "The loathsome mark has fallen, the mall remains Sceptreless, free, uncircumscribed, but man Equal, unclassed, tribeless, and nationless, Exempt from awe, worship, degree, the king Over himself; just, gentle, wise."

1913, Sydney Waterlow, Shelley

Where it comes from

1. Middle Englishwrongful
2. Englishwrongful

From Middle English wrongful, equivalent to wrong + -ful.