misconception

noun

mis·​con·​cep·​tion ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce misconception (audio)
plural misconceptions
: a wrong or inaccurate idea or conception
a common/popular misconception
There's this misconception that you get famous and everything is perfect.Chris Daughtry
The new name, along with more stringent criteria for diagnosing the disorder, represents an attempt to clear up misconceptions about the disorder and to have it taken more seriously by psychiatrists as well as the courts.Janny Scott
Many gardeners are under the misconception [=have the mistaken idea] that bamboos grow only in mild climates.Nan Sterman
… artists, writers, and musicians who labor under the misconception that it's possible to come up with something new under the sun …Simon Reynolds

Examples of misconception in a Sentence

it is a popular misconception that the Great Wall of China is visible from outer space
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The misconception that working harder could prevent or treat depression may further stigmatize those who are affected and discourage them from seeking treatment. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 One common misconception is that mixing uppers and downers, like MDMA and ketamine, will balance each other out. Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024 Many companies suffer from the misconception that cyber security professionals require a technical background in IT or engineering to do the job effectively when in reality many technical skills required for cybersecurity can be acquired on the job with training. Earl Carr, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 The war for the future is now in organizing to dismantle the systems that have shackled society to polluting fossil fuels, and the misconceptions that a cleaner, brighter, cooler planet is out of reach. Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for misconception 

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misconception was in 1614

Dictionary Entries Near misconception

Cite this Entry

“Misconception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misconception. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

misconception

noun
mis·​con·​cep·​tion
ˌmis-kən-ˈsep-shən
: a wrong or mistaken idea

More from Merriam-Webster on misconception

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