Misguided: meaning, definitions and examples

When someone makes a decision or holds a belief based on incorrect judgment or misunderstood information.

• Her plans to drop out of college seemed misguided
• He made a misguided attempt to fix the issue

When someone is given wrong or incomplete information, leading them to hold incorrect beliefs or make wrong decisions.

• She was misinformed about the company's policies
• The public was misinformed by the false rumors

When someone is deliberately or unintentionally guided to believe something that is incorrect or false. Has a slightly negative connotation.

• The advertisement misled customers about the product's benefits
• He felt misled by his friend's advice

When referring to information, data, or beliefs that are simply wrong or incorrect.

• The report contained several erroneous conclusions
• His claim was based on erroneous information

Used to describe someone who has a wrong or inappropriate belief or intention, often due to poor judgment or misinformation.

• Her misguided attempts to help actually made the situation worse.
• The project was ultimately unsuccessful due to misguided planning.

Used when someone is intentionally given false information or impressions, causing them to believe something that is not true. This often implies deceit or manipulation.

• The advertisement was designed to mislead consumers about the product’s benefits.
• He misled his parents into thinking he was studying by turning off the video game sound.

Used when someone is given wrong instructions or guidance, typically in a way that leads them in the wrong direction.

• The GPS misdirected us, and we ended up on the wrong side of town.
• Her efforts were misdirected, focusing on irrelevant tasks.

Used when someone is unable to think clearly or understands something wrongly because it is complex or unclear.

• The complicated instructions are likely to confuse many people.
• His speech was so technical that it confused the audience.