misdescription

Misdescription is an inaccurate or misleading description of an item, service, or property presented to a buyer or user. It can be intentional deception or an inadvertent error and occurs in advertising, product listings, catalogs, auction descriptions, and sales communications. When a description fails to reflect the true characteristics—such as size, weight, dimensions, colour, material, origin, condition, or included components—it can mislead consumers and affect decision making.

Common forms include incorrect specifications, unverifiable claims, omitted limitations, or mislabeling of features. Misdescriptions can arise from translation mistakes, outdated information, or careless data entry, and in some cases may be used to disguise inferior quality or non-fulfillment of stated terms.

Legal and consumer protection contexts often treat misdescription as a form of misrepresentation or false advertising. Remedies may include rescission, refunds, replacements, price adjustments, damages, or regulatory penalties for suppliers or platforms. Liability may depend on the seller's intent and reasonable care in presenting information.

Prevention relies on accurate data management, standardized and verifiable descriptions, clear photographs and measurements, third-party certifications where relevant, explicit exclusions or limitations, and robust returns or dispute-resolution policies.

Misdescription is distinct from general misrepresentation: misdescription refers specifically to the descriptive content, whereas misrepresentation is a broader legal claim about false statements that induce a contract, possibly with different standard of proof depending on jurisdiction. Distinguishing innocent, negligent, and fraudulent misdescription helps determine remedies and liability.