Safety, Alignment & Ethics
Confabulation
Another term for hallucination — the AI fills gaps in knowledge with plausible-sounding fiction.
Definition
Confabulation is a term borrowed from neuropsychology, where it describes patients who unconsciously fabricate memories they believe to be real. Applied to AI, it describes the same phenomenon as hallucination: the model produces false information it presents as fact, not through intentional deception but because it is generating plausible completions rather than retrieving verified knowledge. Some researchers prefer this term as it better captures the mechanism.
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Disclaimer
This definition is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It represents a general explanation of a technical concept and does not constitute professional, technical, or investment advice. Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving field; terminology, techniques, and capabilities change frequently. Coaley Peak Ltd makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided. Nothing on this page should be relied upon as the sole basis for commercial, technical, legal, or investment decisions without independent professional advice.
Document reference: ISO_webpage_knowledge-base_glossary_v1
Last modified: 29 March 2026
Knowledge Base·Safety, Alignment & Ethics·Confabulation