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

Water 101 Academy is a free program for adults in Santa Clara County to promote water awareness, address misinformation and support community initiatives like creek cleanups and flood preparedness outreach. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2026

Despite lots of recent misinformation and confusion about vaccines, the flu recommendations haven’t changed. —Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026

The authenticity of the footage and the precise locations where it was recorded could not be immediately confirmed, a common challenge in Venezuela, where misinformation often spreads quickly during crises. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026

The Horace Mann report describes the daily impact on a superintendent as requiring the management of criticism, misinformation, and politically motivated attacks while trying to maintain credibility and trust. —Peter Smagorinsky, AJC.com, 3 Jan. 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