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

Most recently this month, a Wall Street Journal analysis of 4 million TikTok videos and political podcasts reiterated that, broadly, public concerns are not rooted in misinformation. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026

But decades of greater media abundance have not solved problems of knowledge, misinformation or trust. — Seth Ashley, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026

Government lawyers argued that access to the White House is a privilege — not a right — and said the president can impose the bans to protect national security and to stem the spread of misinformation. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026

Doctors say misinformation about measles can contribute to further illness and deaths. — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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