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 law, which opponents say was built around misinformation about gender-affirming care, prompted some transgender residents to flee the state and medical professionals to stop providing care. —Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025

Despite the misinformation and anti-science rhetoric that often overwhelms social media after disasters like this, a majority of people—63 percent in Texas and across the U.S.—are already concerned about climate change. —Katharine Hayhoe, Time, 10 July 2025

The billionaire entrepreneur famous for spreading misinformation offered no evidence to support his allegations against Bannon or Trump. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025

Alex Clark Alex Clark is a producer for CBS News Confirmed, covering AI, misinformation and their real-world impact. —Laura Doan, CBS News, 10 July 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