GREAT GIFT IDEA!
✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE
4.9
Transform Your Vocabulary Today!
misinformation
IPA:
Dictionary definition of misinformation
False or inaccurate information that is spread intentionally or unintentionally.
"The news outlet was criticized for spreading misinformation in their coverage."
Detailed meaning of misinformation
It is distinct from disinformation, which refers to the deliberate spread of false information. Misinformation can take many forms, including false statements, rumors, conspiracy theories, and manipulated or doctored images or videos. It can spread rapidly through social media, news outlets, and other forms of communication. Misinformation can have serious consequences, as it can lead to confusion, fear, and mistrust, and can even result in real-world harm. Misinformation can be dangerous, as it can be used to influence public opinion, spread propaganda, and interfere in elections. Misinformation can also be used to manipulate the stock market, to interfere in international relations, or to influence the outcome of important decisions. Misinformation can be harmful to individuals and communities, so it's important to check the reliability of the information before sharing it.
Example sentences containing misinformation
1. The spreading of misinformation on social media is becoming a growing concern.
2. He was accused of spreading misinformation about the election results.
3. The company implemented fact-checking measures to combat the spread of misinformation.
4. The misinformation led to confusion and mistrust among the public.
5. The government launched a campaign to educate the public about misinformation.
6. The scientist debunked the misinformation spread about the study's findings.
History and etymology of misinformation
The noun 'misinformation' has a straightforward etymology, combining 'mis-' meaning 'wrong' or 'incorrect' and 'information' referring to knowledge or data. Therefore, 'misinformation' etymologically conveys the idea of incorrect or wrong information. It describes false or inaccurate information that is spread, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This term emphasizes the deceptive or misleading nature of the information, suggesting that it can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, or even harm. 'Misinformation' has become especially relevant in the age of digital communication, where the rapid dissemination of false information can have significant consequences. Its etymology underscores the importance of accurate and reliable information to ensure informed decision-making and understanding.
Further usage examples of misinformation
1. The fake news website was shut down for spreading misinformation.
2. The misinformation was quickly corrected by the authorities.
3. The misinformation caused a panic among the community.
4. The misinformation was spread by individuals with ulterior motives.
5. The misinformation was spread through various channels including social media and messaging apps.
6. The deliberate spread of misinformation, often for political gain, can have far-reaching and harmful consequences.
7. Misinformation, when left unchecked, can confuse the public and make it difficult for them to make informed decisions.
8. Detecting misinformation in the age of the internet requires constant vigilance and a discerning eye for reliable sources.
9. Misinformation, especially when mixed with partial truths, can lead to widespread confusion and misinformation.
10. Social media platforms, with their wide reach and lack of fact-checking, can amplify the spread of misinformation.
11. Misinformation campaigns, designed to intentionally deceive, can influence public opinion and sway elections.
12. Fact-checking organizations play a crucial role in combating misinformation by verifying the accuracy of claims and statements.
13. Misinformation, strategically disseminated, can have a significant impact on public perception and decision-making.
14. Misinformation, fueled by the speed of the internet, can spread rapidly and widely, making it challenging to contain.
15. The proliferation of misinformation has contributed to a growing mistrust of mainstream media and news sources.
16. Misinformation campaigns, often conducted by state actors or interest groups, are a concerning threat to democracy.
17. Misinformation can sometimes be unintentional, with individuals unknowingly sharing false information they believe to be true.
18. Misinformation can fuel conspiracy theories, leading to distrust of established narratives and institutions.
19. Misinformation, when believed and acted upon, can have real-world consequences, such as public health crises.
20. Misinformation, when targeted at individuals or organizations, can damage their reputations and credibility.
21. Misinformation, especially during times of crisis, often spreads fear and panic among the public.
22. Misinformation tends to thrive in echo chambers, where like-minded individuals reinforce and amplify false beliefs.
23. Misinformation erodes critical thinking skills, making it more challenging for people to discern fact from fiction.
24. The spread of misinformation online has contributed to a broader erosion of trust in institutions and experts.
25. Misinformation, when unchecked and unchallenged, can incite panic and create unnecessary chaos in society.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_53a26f11a3f04d24ba1f0bd6016187d0~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_1ad4f35071cc468b82edb6f6f3ebf7a6~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_7fd56ddc28bb4dbe8e6e3f3d7d906526~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_1ad4f35071cc468b82edb6f6f3ebf7a6~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_1ad4f35071cc468b82edb6f6f3ebf7a6~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_1ad4f35071cc468b82edb6f6f3ebf7a6~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_1ad4f35071cc468b82edb6f6f3ebf7a6~mv2.jpg
Prefix mis-, Artifice and Falseness, Conduct and Character, Clandestine and Conniving, Duplicity and Deceit, Manipulation and Deception, Dishonesty and Concealment
deceit,deception,defamation,disinformation,fallacy
distortions,fabrication,falsehood,fib,fiction,lie,mendacity,misreport,misrepresentation,misstatement,untruth
Synonyms for misinformation
Quiz categories containing misinformation
falsehood, truth, fact, accuracy
eb68db_5cd7abbc2d944e13860a3e32dd4044b5.mp3