Misinformation
/ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/
Definitions
Incorrect or misleading information, often spread unintentionally, but sometimes deliberately to deceive.
/ˌmɪsɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/
False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive.
The article was full of misinformation, leading readers to a false understanding of the events.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone tells you something that's not true on purpose. That's like spreading misinformation! It's like when you hear something about a game but it turns out to be a lie.
👶 For kids: When someone tells you something that's not true, it's like a mix-up of information, or misinformation!
More Examples
Social media is often a breeding ground for misinformation, making it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.
Government agencies are working to debunk misinformation related to the upcoming election.
How It's Used
"The politician was accused of spreading misinformation about his opponent's policy."
"The news outlet was criticized for publishing misinformation that was later retracted."
"Social media platforms struggle to combat the spread of medical misinformation."
Idioms & expressions
Spread misinformation
To disseminate false or inaccurate information.
"The campaign was accused of spreading misinformation to damage their competitor's reputation."
Combat misinformation
To take action to stop the spread or negative effects of misinformation.
"Fact-checkers are working hard to combat misinformation online."
From "mis-" (wrongly) + "information". Emerged in the late 20th century, reflecting increased awareness of the spread of inaccurate or misleading data.
The term gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with the rise of the internet and social media.
Memory tip
Think of 'mis-' as 'wrong' or 'bad.' Misinformation is information that is wrong or bad.