What term describes an unintentional false statement made in communication?

The term that describes an unintentional false statement made in communication is "misrepresentation." In legal contexts, misrepresentation refers specifically to the act of conveying information that is false, which the speaker believes to be true or has no intention to deceive. This can lead to issues of liability when someone relies on that incorrect information and incurs a loss or disadvantage as a result.

In contrast, "false representation" generally implies a deliberate or fraudulent intention behind the false statement, which does not fit the unintentional nature of the scenario described. "Deceptive statement" also suggests intent to mislead, and "fraud" involves intentional deception for personal gain, which again does not relate to unintentional acts. Therefore, misrepresentation is the correct term, as it encompasses statements made without intent to deceive that nonetheless lead to misinformation.