misdiagnosis

noun

mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
-əg-
plural misdiagnoses ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
-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 Being unable to communicate their signs and symptoms of wellness or illness can lead to misdiagnosis. Jennifer "jay" Palumbo, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Medical mistakes are more likely in women and minorities As a Black woman, Charity Watkins is among two of the groups most likely to experience a medical misdiagnosis. Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2024 The study found that rates of misdiagnosis range from 1.5% of heart attacks to 17.5% of strokes and 22.5% of lung cancers. Liz Szabo | Kff Health News, NBC News, 15 Jan. 2024 Hodgkins specializes in the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the flat band of connective tissue stretching between the toes and heel bone becomes strained, causing severe heel pain. Katherine Kallergis, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Some of them had easy experiences with the medical world of their day, and some suffered through neglect and misdiagnosis. B. D. McClay, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2023 These differences in symptoms can delay diagnosis or lead to misdiagnosis. Julia Landwehr, Health, 18 Nov. 2023 In a complaint to the Auckland District Health Board, Aston laid out how the misdiagnosis from the doctor — called Doctor A in reports — negatively impacted treatment for her anemia. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2023 But all of that — the dizzy spells, the misdiagnosis, the doctor visits — was just the beginning of the Huertas’ nightmare. AZCentral.com, 14 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'misdiagnosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misdiagnosis was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near misdiagnosis

Cite this Entry

“Misdiagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdiagnosis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

misdiagnosis

noun
mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis (ˌ)mis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
plural misdiagnoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
: an incorrect diagnosis
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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