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

The misinformation has prompted FEMA to launch a webpage to respond to rumors and confirm facts related to the Hurricane Helene response and recovery, such as disaster assistance and funding for disaster response. —Steve Almasy, CNN, 15 Oct. 2024

Throughout the conference, anti-government paranoia and misinformation about pandemic policies were strong on the wing. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024

Brinson Bell rebuffed misinformation that recovery efforts have been partisan, noting the bipartisan state election board unanimously adopted recent election measures. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2024

One insight is that the way information, or misinformation, is presented can significantly affect perceptions of reality. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above