misattribution

noun

mis·​at·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌmis-ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-shən How to pronounce misattribution (audio)
plural misattributions
: an incorrect attribution (as for a piece of artwork)
For decades this portrait had suffered one misattribution after another. More recently the artist had been listed as unknown.James G. Barber

Examples of misattribution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both the company and pollster confirmed the misattribution but did not comment further. Phoebe Petrovic, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2024 The new app addresses the concerns of creators who face unauthorized use and misattribution of their work. Melody Brue, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 However, this inclination to downplay difficulties underscores a broader societal norm where vulnerability is often stigmatized and hidden—which is further demonstrated by the misattribution of recovery to competent characters. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024 Some of that misattribution could be addressed by returning to the shattering events of the past four years and remembering what Americans went through. George Makari, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024 Regardless of what the fake books are filled with, the larger question is how Amazon and Goodreads, two major sites that reach hundreds of millions of customers, plan to safeguard both authors and customers against fraud and misattribution. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 8 Aug. 2023 A lot of the time the political players that try and exploit controversy will make that misattribution. Sonaiya Kelleystaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2022 Such misattribution of luck suggests that rivals will leave the A’s alone without investigating, learning, or copying their brilliant strategy. Forbes, 22 Sep. 2021 Now, Goldberg and her cohosts are standing firm against aural misattribution on the set of the long-running talk show. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misattribution was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near misattribution

Cite this Entry

“Misattribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misattribution. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!