Word
disinformation
Phoneticsdis·in·for·ma·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/dɪˌzɪnfɝˈmeɪʃən/
UK/dˌɪsˌɪnfəmˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01intentional false information
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
n. false information that someone spreads on purpose to trick people or hide the truth.
n. false information intentionally disseminated to deliberately confuse, mislead, or manipulate public opinion.
“The government warned that foreign agents were spreading disinformation to influence the election.”
“The intelligence agency identified a coordinated campaign of disinformation designed to undermine public trust in the healthcare system during the crisis.”
Usage
Uncountable noun; typically used without an article or in the phrase 'a campaign of disinformation'.
Pitfall
The article was full of disinformations.
The article was full of disinformation.
In English, 'disinformation' is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form.
Synonyms
02to spread false information
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Technical
v. to spread lies or false stories on purpose to trick a group of people.
v. to engage in the act of disseminating false or misleading information for strategic or political gain.
“The group tried to disinformation the public by posting fake photos online.”
“State actors continue to disinformation domestic populations through highly sophisticated social media bot networks.”
Usage
Transitive verb; less common than the noun form and often replaced by 'spread disinformation'.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Moroccan authorities on Wednesday announced measures to counter a new influx of migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta, after monitoring a new wave of online disinformation.” “The United Nations launched new Global Principles for Information Integrity on Monday, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the harms caused by misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.” Etymology
Composed of dis- + information. Attested in the sense “intentional misinformation” in English from 1939. A different usage of disinformation occurred earlier, as early as 1887, as a simple synonym of misinformation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
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