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

While authorities have not yet determined a motive, speculation and misinformation about the shooter's identity and affiliations have spread rapidly online, creating a climate of uncertainty. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

When those patterns don't align well with reality, the result is confident-sounding misinformation. —ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025

Kirk was criticized for spreading misinformation, such as false claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election and misleading statements about COVID-19 vaccines and mask mandates. —Stephanie A, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025

Officials now stress this appears to have been misinformation. —Emma Bussey , Jasmine Baehr , Lucas Y. Tomlinson , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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