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Bad information is data or knowledge that is false, misleading, outdated, or otherwise unreliable.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.

Related

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

Opposites
accuracy/truth

bad informationhard facts

Verified, objective information

factual accuracy

quality/reliability

bad informationprimary sources

Firsthand historical evidence

utility/usefulness

bad informationpractical knowledge

Skill gained through experience

Family

badness, information, inform, informant, informer, informative, informed, uninformed, misinform

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G