overdiagnosis

noun

over·​di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌō-vər-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

-əg-

: the diagnosis of a condition or disease more often than it is actually present

overdiagnose

ˌō-vər-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs 

-ˌnōz

-ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs

-ˈnōz

-əg-

transitive verb

Examples of overdiagnosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In some cases, additional screenings can lead women to be diagnosed and treated for cancers that would never have bothered them, problems known as overdiagnosis and overtreatment. —Liz Szabo, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024

Hg – due to arm position – leading to overdiagnosis or overtreatment, in the form of a new prescription or dose modification. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024

While early screening can lead to the risk of overdiagnosis, understanding a child’s developmental needs can help guide families toward resources that address those needs sooner. —Angelica P. Ahrens, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2024

The prevailing dental economic model based on fee-for-service creates an environment of dental overdiagnosis and overtreatment. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

overdiagnosis

noun

over·​di·​ag·​no·​sis -ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg- 

plural overdiagnoses -ˌsēz 

: the diagnosis of a condition or disease (as Lyme disease) more often than it is actually present

overdiagnose

-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs, -ˌnōz, -ˌdī-ig-ˈ, -əg- 

transitive verb

overdiagnosed; overdiagnosing