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misinformation

mis-in-fer-MAY-shun /ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalgeneral

False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.

Often implies unintentional spread of false information, distinct from 'disinformation' which implies deliberate intent to deceive. However, in common usage, the distinction can blur.

The story behind the word. The word 'misinformation' is a combination of the Old English prefix 'mis-' (meaning 'wrong' or 'badly') and 'information,' which comes from the Latin 'informare' (to form, to shape, to instruct). So, misinformation literally means 'wrongly formed' or 'bad information.' It describes false or inaccurate information, often spread unintentionally, a stark contrast to 'disinformation,' which implies deliberate deceit.

Word relationships

falsehood: The state of being untrue; a lie.
inaccuracy: The state of being incorrect or imprecise.
disinformation: False information which is intended to mislead, especially propaganda.

truth: The quality or state of being true.
accuracy: The quality or state of being correct or precise.
fact: A thing that is known or proved to be true.

Commonly confused with

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

Word family

misinform (verb): to give (someone) wrong or inaccurate information.
misinformed (adjective): having wrong or inaccurate information.

Collocations

spread misinformation
combat misinformation
health misinformation
political misinformation
online misinformation

Example sentences

"The spread of misinformation about vaccines poses a serious threat to public health." In public health.
"Social media platforms are struggling to combat the rapid dissemination of misinformation." On social media.
"The article contained several pieces of misinformation that were later corrected." In a news report.

Memory hook

When you get 'MISINFORMATION,' you've been 'MIS-LED' by 'INFORMATION' that's wrong. Wrong info.

When not to use

While often used interchangeably with 'disinformation,' strictly speaking, 'misinformation' refers to false information spread without malicious intent, whereas 'disinformation' is intentionally deceptive. Be precise if the intent is crucial.

Fun facts

The term 'fake news' gained prominence in the 2010s to describe a specific type of misinformation, often politically motivated and spread online.