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

Experts emphasize that when facts change, corrections must be as visible and timely as initial reports to prevent misinformation. — Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The Cook County Department of Public Health is working to counteract vaccine misinformation, myths and confusion regarding vaccines as part of its efforts to increase vaccination rates. — Francine Knowles, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026

Her research has shown that people are less likely to trust election misinformation from the president when it is presented alongside the facts. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 July 2026

His longtime agent, Philip Grenz, confirmed the cause of death to The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday to put an end to online misinformation around Neill’s passing. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 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