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 World Economic Forum now ranks misinformation and disinformation among the most significant short-term risks facing the global economy. —Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 26 May 2026

Aid groups are struggling with distrust in healthcare, historical issues and misinformation, alongside a critical shortage of PPE and medical supplies. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 25 May 2026

Algorithmic amplification of misinformation. —Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

But what’s real and what’s just social media misinformation? —Torie Bosch, STAT, 23 May 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