misinformation

/ˌmɪsˌɪnfɚˈmeɪʃən/
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Wrong or misleading material presented or passed on as information.

Examples

  • The report contained no misinformation, but several claims lacked context.
  • Please correct the misinformation before sharing the article again.
  • The post spread misinformation about the new vaccine.
  • How can readers recognize misinformation online?
  • Officials responded quickly when misinformation started circulating.

Similar words

falsehood
misleading information
inaccuracy
misstatement
false information
untruth

Meanings

False or misleading information

noun
media
neutral
Information that is wrong or gives a false impression, whether it is shared by mistake or on purpose.

Examples

  • The post spread misinformation about the new vaccine.
  • Please correct the misinformation before sharing the article again.
  • Some of the misinformation began as an honest mistake.
  • How can readers recognize misinformation online?
  • The report contained no misinformation, but several claims lacked context.
  • Officials responded quickly when misinformation started circulating.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed from the prefix mis-, meaning "wrongly," and information. Merriam-Webster records its use in English from 1605.

FAQ

What does misinformation mean?

Misinformation is wrong or misleading information, shared either accidentally or deliberately.

Is misinformation always shared on purpose?

No. Misinformation can be shared by mistake or with the aim of misleading people.

What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?

Misinformation is false or misleading information regardless of intent, while disinformation is deliberately created or spread to deceive.

Is misinformation countable?

Misinformation is normally uncountable, so English uses "some misinformation" or "a piece of misinformation," not "a misinformation."

Where does misinformation come from?

Misinformation combines mis-, meaning "wrongly," with information, and has been recorded in English since 1605.

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