Selection and definition
Dictionary.com designated misinformation as its Word of the Year for 2018. In this evergreen profile, we clarify the term, explain the selection rationale, and examine its lasting relevance across media, politics, and technology. Unlike short-lived news cycles, this overview focuses on durable context and verifiable usage that remains useful over time.
- Word: misinformation
- Year: 2018
- Source: Dictionary.com editorial selection
Context for 2018
By 2018, widespread public discourse increasingly referenced false or misleading information distributed through digital channels. Dictionary.com highlighted how the year intensified conversations around fact-checking, source evaluation, and media literacy. The term’s elevation reflected growing awareness of deliberate spreading of false or misleading claims, whether in news, advertising, or political communication.
Etymology and usage
Misinformation combines the prefix mis- (wrong) with information and denotes false or inaccurate content presented as fact. Key distinctions include:
- Misinformation: false or misleading information spread regardless of intent to deceive.
- Disinformation: false information deliberately created or shared to mislead.
- Malinformation: real information used out of context or to cause harm.
These related terms gained prominence in public and academic discussions, shaping how analysts describe information ecosystems.
Notable details and examples
In 2018, high-profile events—from elections to viral content—drove demand for tools to identify and contextualize misleading claims. Newsrooms, educators, and tech platforms introduced labels, fact-checking initiatives, and digital literacy resources. Linguistically, the year marked a shift where misinformation became a routine descriptor in journalism, research, and everyday conversation, reinforcing sustained public interest.
Impact on language and culture
The sustained presence of misinformation as a societal concern influenced terminology across fields. Organizations updated style guides, curricula incorporated media literacy, and platforms adopted labels and warning notices. By naming this term Word of the Year, Dictionary.com underscored its role as a conceptual anchor for ongoing conversations about truth, evidence, and trust in communication.
Comparison with other years
| Year | Word of the Year | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | complicit | Ethics and responsibility |
| 2018 | misinformation | Accuracy and trust |
| 2019 | existential | Climate and urgency |
Lasting relevance
Long after 2018, misinformation remains central to research on digital communication, policy debates, and platform governance. This evergreen explanation highlights why the term continues to matter: it encapsulates evolving challenges in information quality, source criticism, and public discourse. For ongoing clarity, treating misinformation as both a linguistic and cultural concept supports informed engagement with media and technology.
Summary
Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year 2018, misinformation, reflects a turning point in public attention toward accuracy and trust. The selection is grounded in observable usage, definitional precision, and measurable cultural impact. By focusing on evergreen context rather than momentary headlines, this profile remains useful for understanding the term’s role in language and society beyond 2018.