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

Disclosure Day is an urgent call to fight back against misinformation, a clear threatening cancer for the future of the human race, and a very real one overtaking our daily lives. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 9 June 2026

The virus took root in Mongbwalu’s crowded gold-mining camps, where poor sanitation, misinformation and deep skepticism about hospitals have fueled nearly 500 infections and dozens of deaths in weeks. —Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to election officials last month, warning that misinformation could spread if results are delayed. —Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 June 2026

Yet the outbreak has been challenged by skepticism, attacks on health workers and misinformation. —Ope Adetayo, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 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