misinformation

noun

mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən 

: incorrect or misleading information

Indubitably, a great deal of paranoid and otherwise irresponsible misinformation about the Kennedy assassination has traveled far and sold well …

—Ronnie Dugger

A muddle of misinformation keeps clouding the debate over hormone-replacement therapy for women.

—Melinda Beck

Each of these pieces of information (and misinformation) about me is sold for about two-fifths of a cent to advertisers, which then deliver me an Internet ad, send me a catalog or mail me a credit-card offer.

—Joel Stein

Examples of misinformation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The complex ways data centers use water have left room for misinformation from both the builders and those fighting against them. — Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

As somebody who has spent a lot of time covering misinformation, part of me doesn’t know if this has a lot of social value. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026

Clare said women may see misinformation and disinformation about menopause treatments online, and urged patients to come to their doctors with any questions. — Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

The boom in vaccine-preventable outbreaks, cases, and tragic deaths is being fueled by slipping vaccination rates nationwide as health misinformation and anti-vaccine sentiments have taken hold. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misinformation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration