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

Combine week brought public rumor mill chaos about his knee; reporting also noted his family and some insiders pushed back hard on it as misinformation. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

As a science journalist and ocean explorer, she's investigated misinformation campaigns on social media, embedded in Alaskan archaeological digs, and contributed to the discovery of deep-sea organisms in the Central Pacific. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 13 Mar. 2026

Wilkerson, McCasland's wife, tried to correct some misinformation that had been circulating. —Doha Madani, NBC news, 13 Mar. 2026

With misinformation rife and many turning to alternative sources for their news, politics and history fixes, the BBC is faced with a significant challenge, and big ticket swings such as today’s commissions are what the broadcaster considers its answer. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Mar. 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