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.
Suzanne Clothier et al.The court also stated that experts can be sued for negligence resulting from their misdiagnoses.—Mark Hansen
Mark HansenExamples of misdiagnosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For Black patients who already navigate a healthcare system shaped by discrimination, under-treatment, and misdiagnosis, lack of transparency can be downright harmful.
—Essence, 1 Jan. 2026
Many factors contribute to this disparity, including systemic racism, exposure to violence, misdiagnosis and a lack of access to care.
—Lisa Rab, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
Social media influencers can encourage self-diagnosis — implicitly or explicitly — but the practice only increases the chances of a misdiagnosis.
—Big Think, 27 Nov. 2025
As a result, many experts question whether the costs of mass screening programs outweigh the benefits, due to the risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misdiagnosis
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Essence, 1 Jan. 2026
Many factors contribute to this disparity, including systemic racism, exposure to violence, misdiagnosis and a lack of access to care.
—Lisa Rab, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025
Social media influencers can encourage self-diagnosis — implicitly or explicitly — but the practice only increases the chances of a misdiagnosis.
—Big Think, 27 Nov. 2025
As a result, many experts question whether the costs of mass screening programs outweigh the benefits, due to the risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for misdiagnosis
Cite this Entry
“Misdiagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdiagnosis. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
misdiagnosis
noun
mis·di·ag·no·sis
(ˌ)mis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs
plural misdiagnoses
-ˌsēz
: an incorrect diagnosis
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