Misinformed: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'misinformed' when talking about a situation where someone has been given incorrect information, usually unintentionally.

• The public was misinformed about the risks of the new medication

Use 'misled' when someone has been intentionally given wrong information or been deceived.

• The customers were misled into thinking the product was organic

Use 'miscalculated' when someone has made an error in calculation or judgment, usually involving numbers or measurements.

• The engineers miscalculated the structure's load capacity, causing the failure

Use 'erroneous' when describing information or actions that are incorrect or wrong. This word is more formal and is often used in written or professional contexts.

• The report contained erroneous data that led to wrong conclusions

Used when someone has been given incorrect information or has misunderstood certain facts.

• He was misinformed about the event start time, so he arrived late

Used when someone's thoughts or actions are based on mistaken beliefs or lack of proper understanding. Often implies a mistaken intention rather than just incorrect information.

• Her misguided attempt to help only made the situation worse

Appropriate when referring to something that is not completely correct or contains errors. It is less harsh than 'false'.

• His report was inaccurate, as it contained several mistakes in the data

Used to indicate something that is untrue or not in accordance with the facts. It has a more definitive connotation compared to 'inaccurate'.

• The rumor about her resignation turned out to be false