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

Raw-milk consumption was a growing hazard, and their state, like others, was teeming with black-market dairies, propped up by consumer demand fueled by misinformation. — CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Many news consumers have turned their attention to social media for critical information, which has, at times, allowed misinformation to spread quickly. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The public can report election misinformation, and officials can pass those reports to the state attorney general. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026

Viewers may be manipulated by bad actors spreading misinformation or tricked into buying a product from their favorite creator, only to discover that the endorsement was a deepfake scam. — Shira Lazar, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 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