misinformation

noun

mis·​in·​for·​ma·​tion ˌmis-ˌin-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce misinformation (audio)
: 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 Meteorologists and climate scientists are increasingly having to combat misinformation about the weather on social media. Andrew Higgins, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Going into this year’s elections, claims of election fraud remain a staple for candidates running on the right, fueled by dis- and misinformation, both online and off. Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024 And researchers have warned of the potential for AI image generators to produce political misinformation ahead of elections in the United States and dozens of other countries this year. Clare Duffy, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 At the same time, with climate misinformation from corporations and politicians financially vested in fossil fuels also circulating, accurately identifying and discussing weather superlatives has never been more important. The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 The book takes pains to separate disinformation from misinformation, a distinction that McQuade thinks could open the door to reaching those who mistakenly put their faith in falsehoods. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 3 Mar. 2024 Despite having access to so much data, why are there so many examples of misinformation, hyperbole, exaggeration, and misleading messaging? Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 So today, Verge policy editor Adi Robertson joins the show to discuss how AI might supercharge misinformation and lies in an election that’s already as contentious as any in our lifetimes — and what might be done about it. Nilay Patel, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 Sophisticated generative AI tools, such as voice-cloning software and image generators, already are in use in elections in the U.S. and around the world, leading to concerns about the rapid spread of misinformation. Holly Ramer, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'misinformation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misinformation was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near misinformation

Cite this Entry

“Misinformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misinformation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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