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

Both men have at times drawn criticism from health experts for spreading misinformation. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024

This misinformation has occasionally hindered relief efforts. —Jess Craig, Vox, 17 Nov. 2024

Amid unfounded fears over vaccines during the pandemic, Children’s Health Defense expanded its reach beyond the parents of small children and grew beyond its website, which for years had been a hub for health misinformation. —Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

Some health experts voiced fears, though, that Kennedy would have a larger platform to spread vaccine misinformation and potentially discourage more Americans from getting vaccinated. —Conor Murray, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above