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misinformation
/ˌmɪs.ɪn.fərˈmeɪ.ʃən/
false or inaccurate information
Social media platforms struggle to prevent the spread of misinformation during major events.
Social media sites find it difficult to stop false details from spreading during major events.
formal
Incorrect or misleading information that is spread regardless of whether there is an intent to deceive.
Health officials launched a public campaign to correct misinformation about the vaccine.
Health authorities started a public campaign to fix false claims about the vaccine.
Often confused with 'disinformation', which specifically refers to deliberately false information created to deceive.
Collocations
spread misinformationdistribute false detailscombat misinformationfight against false informationrampant misinformationwidespread unchecked false informationcounter misinformationneutralize or correct false information
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Misinformation vs. Disinformation
Remember the prefix clue: 'mis-' means mistake (unintentional error), whereas 'dis-' implies dishonesty (deliberate deception). A person sharing misinformation is mistaken; a person sharing disinformation is trying to trick you.
Gold Rule
Treat as Uncountable
Never add '-s' or use the indefinite article 'a' directly before 'misinformation'. Say 'This piece of misinformation spread quickly,' not 'This misinformation spread quickly' if pointing to a single claim.
Word Origin
Coined in English around the late 16th century by attaching the prefix 'mis-' (meaning wrong or badly) to 'information' (from Latin 'informatio', meaning concept or representation).
Usage Notes
Misinformation is an uncountable noun. Do not use 'a misinformation' or 'misinformations'; instead, use 'a piece of misinformation' or 'a lot of misinformation'. Furthermore, remember that someone sharing misinformation may genuinely believe it to be true.
Word Breakdown
mis-
wrongly, incorrectly, or badly
prefixinformation
facts or details about something
rootEnglish Dictionary