Misrepresented

Misrepresented is an adjective describing information that has been depicted in a way that gives a false or misleading impression about facts, statements, or circumstances. To misrepresent is to present something inaccurately, whether by omission, selection, distortion, or outright falsehood. The term is used in law, journalism, advertising, and everyday speech. It can describe intentional deception or inadvertent error.

In contract law, misrepresentation is a false statement of fact that induces another party to enter into a contract. It can be fraudulent (intent to deceive), negligent (breach of a duty of care leading to a false statement), or innocent (a mistaken belief in accuracy). Remedies include rescission of the contract and, in some cases, damages. Proving reliance and materiality of the misrepresented fact is typically required.

In advertising and consumer protection, misrepresentation refers to misleading or deceptive claims about a product or service. Regulations often prohibit false claims and require substantiation, labeling, or disclosures to prevent consumer harm. In journalism, misrepresentation can refer to factual inaccuracies, selective editing, or misquotations, which undermine credibility and may demand corrections or retractions.

Related concepts include deception, fraud, misstatement, and distortion. Misrepresentation is distinct from mere opinion or speculation when the speaker asserts a factual claim as true.