Word
misinformation
Phoneticsmis·in·for·ma·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌmɪsɪnfɝˈmeɪʃən/
UK/mˌɪsɪnfəmˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. false or incorrect information that is shared, even if the person sharing it does not mean to trick you.
n. false or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of an intent to deceive. Often contrasted with 'disinformation', which implies a deliberate attempt to mislead.
Examples
“The article was full of misinformation about the new law.”
“Social media platforms struggle to stop the spread of misinformation during election cycles when false stories go viral quickly.”
“While some errors are honest mistakes, the cumulative effect of misinformation can erode public trust in scientific institutions and complicate the implementation of necessary health policies.”
Examples
simple
“The article was full of misinformation about the new law.”
contextual
“Social media platforms struggle to stop the spread of misinformation during election cycles when false stories go viral quickly.”
complex
“While some errors are honest mistakes, the cumulative effect of misinformation can erode public trust in scientific institutions and complicate the implementation of necessary health policies.”
Pitfall
these misinformations
this misinformation
Misinformation is uncountable and does not have a plural form; use 'pieces of misinformation' if you need to count individual instances.
Real-World Examples
“Research suggests that conflicting information , along with misinformation, contributes to declining vaccination rates.” “In addition, at least a dozen facilities treating Ebola have been attacked , largely due to fear, misinformation and deep community mistrust of outside authorities .” “Some blame the rise of misinformation on social media.” Etymology
From mis- + information.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest 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.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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