---
name: "false"
section: "1"
platform: "freebsd"
package: "base"
version: "16.0-CURRENT-20261027-61c70dc16a79"
release: "FreeBSD 16.0-CURRENT (2026-10-27)"
platforms: ["linux", "freebsd", "openbsd", "macos"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/false"
---

# false(1)

return false value

## NAME

**false** – return false value

## SYNOPSIS

**false**

## DESCRIPTION

The **false** utility always returns with a non-zero exit code.

Some shells may provide a builtin **false** command which is identical to this utility. Consult the [builtin(1)](/builtin/1.md) manual page.

## SEE ALSO

[builtin(1)](/builtin/1.md), [csh(1)](/csh/1.md), [sh(1)](/sh/1.md), [true(1)](/true/1.md)

## STANDARDS

The **false** utility is expected to be IEEE Std 1003.2 (“POSIX.2”) compatible.