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

Two pathologist doctors call Cole’s misdiagnosis ‘reckless’ In 2021, Cole ran a laboratory being used by women’s health practices in the Boise area. —Kyle Pfannenstiel, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2025

Reasons for delayed diagnosis include lack of recognition and awareness or misdiagnosis with another condition. —Heidi Moawad, Md, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025

By learning more about Valley fever in dogs, Sykes suggested that humans could develop new tests or routes for treatment — potentially preventing misdiagnosis or undiagnosed disease among themselves. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025

Errors in transcription can lead to misdiagnosis, incorrect treatments and possible patient harm. —Fernando Cowan, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misdiagnosis

• amyloidosis
• anaplasmosis
• anastomosis
• aponeurosis
• apotheosis
• aspergillosis
• blastomycosis
• coccidiosis
• cryptococcosis
• cysticercosis
• endocytosis
• exocytosis

Medical Definition

misdiagnosis

noun

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

plural misdiagnoses -ˌsēz 

: an incorrect diagnosis