Which term refers to an untrue or unverified report informally communicated through gossip?

• A. Gossip
• B. Propaganda
• C. Overurbanization
• D. Rumor

Answer: (D)

An unverified report that spreads informally through social networks is called a rumor. It captures the idea of information shared without confirmation, often to fill gaps in understanding or curiosity within a community. Gossip is casual talk about others and can be true or false, but it isn’t necessarily framed as a claim needing verification. Propaganda involves a deliberate, organized attempt to influence opinions, usually through biased information and planned dissemination, not just casual rumor. Overurbanization is a sociological term about cities growing too quickly for resources, unrelated to how information is spread. So the term that fits an untrue or unverified report spread through informal gossip is rumor.