bad information
Unreliable intel source
Bad information is data or knowledge that is false, misleading, outdated, or otherwise unreliable.
The phrase emphasizes the quality of the information itself rather than the intent behind it—bad information may be spread innocently or deliberately.
We made the decision based on bad information.
In intelligence and military contexts, bad information can have catastrophic consequences: The invasion was justified by bad information about weapons programs.
- indoctrinationSystematic uncritical belief instillation
- echo chamberSelf-reinforcing information environment
- falsehoodDeliberate untrue statement
- half truthMisleading partial disclosure
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
tall tale · forgery · junk science · error · distraction · misconception · cherry picking · overload · confirmation bias · fraud · snake oil · dirty tricks · fake news · bias · cover-up · mistake · clutter · fabrication
badness, information, inform, informant, informer, informative, informed, uninformed, misinform