misleading

/ˌmɪsˈlidɪŋ/
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Likely to create a wrong belief or impression.

Examples

  • She removed the misleading label before the product went on sale.
  • The map's scale gave us a misleading idea of the distance.
  • These figures are misleading because they leave out part-time workers.
  • Would it be misleading to call the service free?
  • The headline was technically true but deeply misleading.

Similar words

confusing
misinformative
ambiguous
inaccurate
deceptive
false

Meanings

Giving a wrong impression

adjective
communication
neutral
Causing someone to believe something untrue or to understand a situation wrongly, either intentionally or by accident.

Examples

  • The headline was technically true but deeply misleading.
  • These figures are misleading because they leave out part-time workers.
  • Would it be misleading to call the service free?
  • The map's scale gave us a misleading idea of the distance.
  • She removed the misleading label before the product went on sale.

Similar words

Etymology

Formed from mislead and -ing. Mislead comes from Old English mislædan, meaning to guide wrongly or draw into error, and the adjective has been recorded since the 1630s.

FAQ

What does misleading mean?

Misleading describes something that causes a wrong belief or impression.

Does misleading always mean deliberate?

No. Something can be misleading because of deliberate deception or because it accidentally gives the wrong impression.

What is the difference between misleading and false?

A false statement is untrue, while a misleading statement may contain true facts arranged or presented in a way that creates a wrong impression.

Can an image be misleading?

Yes. A photograph, chart, map, or other image can be misleading if it encourages an incorrect understanding.

Where does misleading come from?

Misleading is formed from mislead and -ing. The verb goes back to Old English mislædan, meaning to guide wrongly or draw into error.

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