misdiagnose
verb
mis·di·ag·nose
ˌmis-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs 
-ˌnōz,
ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs,
-ˈnōz,
-əg-
misdiagnosed; misdiagnosing
: to diagnose (someone or something) incorrectly
… babesiosis is often missed or misdiagnosed as malaria or flu.—
Linda Marsa
Linda MarsaThe researchers added that children with this disease are often misdiagnosed and thus inappropriately treated …—Jane E. Brody
Jane E. BrodyExamples of misdiagnose in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So workers who do seek medical help often get misdiagnosed.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 18 May 2026
Batten was informed that he was misdiagnosed and didn't have a brain tumor.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
The stigma tied to conditions framed primarily around reproduction—especially those that are often misdiagnosed or undertreated—can also affect a patient's mental health over time.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Far too often, symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, and nerve pain are misdiagnosed or dismissed.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misdiagnose
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Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 18 May 2026
Batten was informed that he was misdiagnosed and didn't have a brain tumor.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
The stigma tied to conditions framed primarily around reproduction—especially those that are often misdiagnosed or undertreated—can also affect a patient's mental health over time.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
Far too often, symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, and nerve pain are misdiagnosed or dismissed.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for misdiagnose
Cite this Entry
“Misdiagnose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdiagnose. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
misdiagnose
transitive verb
mis·di·ag·nose
(ˈ)mis-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs, -ˌnōz
misdiagnosed; misdiagnosing
: to diagnose incorrectly
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