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

Despite that disappointing research, misinformation fueled the drug's use during the pandemic. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

So are religious motivations an attempt to cover for cultural or political motives, personal rationalizations, or misinformation? —Cory Anderson, STAT, 6 Mar. 2026

The spread of misinformation has always been a part of warfare, as conflicting sides battle for the public’s support while launching their bombs. —Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026

Even well-meaning doctors can struggle to combat sophisticated misinformation campaigns during a short appointment. —A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 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