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

To hear Karrahbooo tell it now, one of the most lasting misconceptions is also one of the simplest. — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026

Supporters of the Correct the Map campaign say a different projection could help provide a fairer visual representation of the world and challenge longstanding misconceptions about Africa's size and importance. — Jewel Bright, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

The Next Competitive Advantage One of the biggest misconceptions about enterprise AI is that lower AI spend equals better governance. — Prajkta Waditwar, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The need for respect James Sherrell, a program specialist at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, points to misconceptions around vaccine hesitancy as a classic example. — Cara Kelly, USA Today, 30 Aug. 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