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Misleading: meaning, definitions and examples

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misleading

 

[ mɪsˈliːdɪŋ ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

information

Giving the wrong idea or impression; deceiving or ambiguous.

Synonyms

ambiguous, confusing, deceptive, misinforming

Examples of usage

  • It is important not to provide misleading information to customers.
  • The advertisement was misleading and caused confusion among the viewers.
  • She gave me a misleading answer that led to further misunderstanding.
Context #2 | Verb

someone

To cause someone to have the wrong idea or impression about someone or something.

Synonyms

deceive, delude, misguide, misinform

Examples of usage

  • Don't let others misleading you with false information.
  • He misled me by giving false directions.
  • The company misled investors about their financial situation.

Translations

Translations of the word "misleading" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganoso

🇮🇳 भ्रामक

🇩🇪 irreführend

🇮🇩 menyesatkan

🇺🇦 помилковий

🇵🇱 mylący

🇯🇵 誤解を招く

🇫🇷 trompeur

🇪🇸 engañoso

🇹🇷 yanıltıcı

🇰🇷 오해를 일으키는

🇸🇦 مضلل

🇨🇿 klamavý

🇸🇰 klamný

🇨🇳 误导性的

🇸🇮 zavajajoč

🇮🇸 villandi

🇰🇿 алдаушы

🇬🇪 მატყუნებელი

🇦🇿 aldadıcı

🇲🇽 engañoso

Etymology

The word 'misleading' originated from the combination of the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrong' or 'badly' and 'leading' which comes from the Old English word 'lædan' meaning 'to guide or lead'. Therefore, 'misleading' literally means 'guiding in the wrong direction'. The term has been in use since the late 16th century, evolving to its current usage in the English language.

See also: lead, leaders, leadership, leading, leads, leadwort, mislead, misleader.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,333 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.