misconception

noun

mis·​con·​cep·​tion ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən 

plural misconceptions

: a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception

a common/popular misconception

There's this misconception that you get famous and everything is perfect.

—Chris Daughtry

The new name, along with more stringent criteria for diagnosing the disorder, represents an attempt to clear up misconceptions about the disorder and to have it taken more seriously by psychiatrists as well as the courts.

—Janny Scott

Many gardeners are under the misconception [=have the mistaken idea] that bamboos grow only in mild climates.

—Nan Sterman

… artists, writers, and musicians who labor under the misconception that it's possible to come up with something new under the sun …

—Simon Reynolds

Synonyms of misconception

• myth
• delusion
• error
• illusion

Examples of misconception in a Sentence

it is a popular misconception that the Great Wall of China is visible from outer space

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps her biggest challenge is combating the misconception that cystic fibrosis has been cured, which stifles investment into new treatments. — Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

One of the biggest misconceptions is that sustainability and farmer livelihoods are separate conversations. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Galarza said misconceptions about electric stoves are the largest obstacle to broader use. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

There is a common misconception in cybersecurity that spending a lot on software and AI makes the problem go away on its own. — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing misconception

• labor under a delusion/misapprehension/misconception

Rhymes for misconception

• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misperception
• preconception
• conception
• deception
• exception
• inception
• perception
• reception
• intussusception

Kids Definition

misconception

noun

mis·​con·​cep·​tion

ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən

: a wrong or mistaken idea