falsified

Falsified is the past participle of falsify and is used as an adjective to describe something that has been altered, forged, or misrepresented so as to appear true when it is not. The term is commonly applied across fields such as science, journalism, law, and everyday reporting to indicate deliberate deception or incorrect representation.

In science and research, falsified data or results refer to information that has been deliberately manipulated or invented to mislead. This can include data fabrication, selective reporting, or tampering with measurements. Falsification is a category of research misconduct distinct from error; it damages trust, undermines findings, and commonly leads to retractions, institutional investigations, and sanctions for researchers.

In legal and administrative contexts, falsified documents—such as forged signatures, altered records, or counterfeit documents—are used to deceive others or gain unlawful advantage. Many jurisdictions criminalize falsification, with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, and civil liability.

Preventive and corrective measures include data integrity standards, preregistration of studies, independent replication, audit trails, and robust whistleblower protections. Awareness and education about responsible conduct aim to reduce falsification and distinguish it from other errors.