misclassification

noun

mis·​clas·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmis-ˌkla-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

plural misclassifications

: an act or instance of wrongly assigning someone or something to a group or category : incorrect classification

Cracking down on the misclassification of workers so that those mislabeled as "independent contractors" can become unionizable employees.

—Harold Meyerson

Examples of misclassification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Applying the same to retail traders, however, stretches the rule beyond its intent and poses more of a misclassification risk than a clear obligation. —Robert Green, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

But its generalizability is limited by the single geographical setting (Minnesota), potential misclassification of heart attack cause (particularly SCAD and non-traditional causes), and changes in diagnostic practice over time. —New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2025

Hynes has also argued the misclassification of hundreds of properties and other suburban over-assessments by Kaegi’s office also suggest there are broader problems with his practices. —A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

This may have introduced some exposure misclassification, Guo notes. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for misclassification

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization