misleading
mihs-LEE-dihng
Misleading (adj) means creating a false impression, even if not technically a lie. Example: “The advert was misleading, because the small print changed the whole offer.”
adj
1
Creating a false impression, even if not technically a lie.
"The advert was misleading, because the small print changed the whole offer."
"It would be misleading to say the job is easy, since the hours are long."
"The problem does not appear so hopeless when misleading metaphor is discarded."
— Arthur Stanley Eddington, Survey of the Problem (1926)
"The headline was misleading — the actual study said something quite different."
How to use misleading
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiving a false or inaccurate impression.
Common pairings
misleading information
a misleading headline
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Word forms
- Plural
- misleadings
- Comparative
- more misleading
- Superlative
- most misleading
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The advert was _____, because the small print changed the whole offer.
Etymology
From mislead + -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for misleading
See all rhymes for misleading →Frequently asked questions
What does “misleading” mean?
The word “misleading” means creating a false impression, even if not technically a lie. In plain terms, giving a false or inaccurate impression.
How do you pronounce “misleading”?
“Misleading” is pronounced mihs-LEE-dihng (/(ˌ)mɪsˈliːdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “misleading” in a sentence?
Here is “misleading” used in a sentence: “The headline was misleading — the actual study said something quite different.”
What part of speech is “misleading”?
“Misleading” is an adjective.
Is “misleading” a common word?
“Misleading” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between misleading and lying?
A lie is a deliberate false statement, whereas something misleading creates a false impression without necessarily being untrue. A misleading claim can be technically accurate yet still lead people to the wrong conclusion.
What is the difference between misleading and deceptive?
The two overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. "Deceptive" more strongly implies a deliberate intent to deceive, while "misleading" can describe something that gives the wrong impression even by accident, such as a poorly worded label.
What is the difference between misleading and confusing?
Confusing information is simply hard to understand, while misleading information points you toward a wrong but definite conclusion. A confusing sign leaves you unsure; a misleading sign makes you confidently wrong.
What are common collocations with misleading?
Misleading often pairs with words such as statement, claim, information, impression, advertising, and headline. Intensifiers like "deeply misleading" or "highly misleading" are common when stressing how false the impression is.
