misdiagnosis

noun

mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

-əg-

plural misdiagnoses ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz 

-əg-

: an incorrect diagnosis

Misdiagnosis can easily occur unless the veterinarian is alert to the possibility of Lyme disease.

—Suzanne Clothier et al.

The court also stated that experts can be sued for negligence resulting from their misdiagnoses.

—Mark Hansen

Examples of misdiagnosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Excess biotin in the bloodstream may also lead to potential hormonal issues, as well as misdiagnosis of a heart attack, which has major clinical implications, said Dr Mahto. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 1 July 2024

Sometimes, misdiagnosis occurs because a doctor overlooks something — when the patterns of illness fit the script, but the script is misread. —Anupam B. Jena, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson’s disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States and affects up to 1 million Americans, though counts vary and misdiagnosis is common. —Erin Blakemore, Washington Post, 30 June 2024

But that would be a misreading of the current mood in Europe’s capitals and a misdiagnosis of Europe’s ailment. —Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

misdiagnosis

noun

mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis (ˌ)mis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

plural misdiagnoses -ˌsēz 

: an incorrect diagnosis