false signal
Deceptive transmission sent
A false signal is an indication that appears meaningful but doesn't reflect reality.
In trading, a false signal suggests a market move that never materializes: The uptick was a false signal—prices dropped the next day.
In electronics and detection systems, it's a reading triggered by noise rather than the target phenomenon.
More broadly, any misleading cue: His friendliness was a false signal of interest.
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- glitchMinor system fault
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- smoke and mirrorsDeceptive obfuscation tactics
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
bait and switch · spoofing · illusion · trick of the light · fabrication · fool's gold · inaccuracy · misfire · mirage · gaslighting · phantom pain · misinformation · cognitive bias · measurement error · jamming · decoy · wild goose chase · placebo effect