noun

disinformation

dih-sihn-fuh-MAYSHN

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Disinformation (noun) means False information spread on purpose to mislead people. Example: “The government accused the website of spreading disinformation about the election.”

noun

False information spread on purpose to mislead people.

"The government accused the website of spreading disinformation about the election."

"Fact-checkers work around the clock to counter online disinformation."

How to use disinformation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLies or false claims spread deliberately, as opposed to honest mistakes.

Common mistake

Misinformation is simply wrong information, regardless of intent; disinformation specifically implies it was created or spread to deceive on purpose.

Easily confused with

misinformation →

Common pairings

spread disinformation disinformation campaign combat disinformation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: disinformations
Past tense: disinformationed

Test yourself on “disinformation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The government accused the website of spreading _____ about the election.

Etymology

From dis- + information. The word took on its modern sense of deliberately planted false information in English around 1939, borrowed from the Russian dezinformatsiya used by Soviet intelligence.

Origin: Russian · First attested 1939

Class of 1939 disinformation joined the language around 1939.

jukebox Molotov pocketbook

See the full Class of 1939 →

Rhymes for disinformation

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

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Frequently asked questions

What does “disinformation” mean?

The word “disinformation” means false information spread on purpose to mislead people. In plain terms, lies or false claims spread deliberately, as opposed to honest mistakes.

How do you pronounce “disinformation”?

“Disinformation” is pronounced dih-sihn-fuh-MAYSHN (/ˌdɪsɪnfɚˈmeɪʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “disinformation” in a sentence?

Here is “disinformation” used in a sentence: “The government accused the website of spreading disinformation about the election.”

What part of speech is “disinformation”?

“Disinformation” is a noun.

Where does the word “disinformation” come from?

The word “disinformation” dates back to around 1939 and comes from Russian. From dis- + information. The word took on its modern sense of deliberately planted false information in English around 1939, borrowed from the Russian dezinformatsiya used by Soviet intelligence.

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Words with slavic origins