misidentification
noun
mis·iden·ti·fi·ca·tion
ˌmis-ī-ˌden-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
ˌmis-ə-
plural misidentifications
: incorrect or false identification
The long-term nature of a life insurance policy sometimes accounts for a misidentification of the insured.—
Harriett E. Jones et al.
Harriett E. Jones et al.In the finished novel, the central character insists on calling his girlfriend June, though her name is Joan—one of many obsessional misidentifications in [Henry] Green's fiction.—Jeremy Treglown
Jeremy TreglownExamples of misidentification in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While fossil misidentifications and forgeries are rare, this isn’t the first time scientists have encountered an overhyped rock.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024
Following a misidentification by the forces, the forces targeted the three WCK vehicles based on the misclassification of the event and misidentification of the vehicles as having Hamas operatives inside them.
—NBC News, 5 Apr. 2024
Pondicherry sharks are nearly identical to juvenile bull sharks, leading to frequent misidentification.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024
Target has pulled an item celebrating Black history from its shelves over the misidentification of several Black icons.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for misidentification 
Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024
Following a misidentification by the forces, the forces targeted the three WCK vehicles based on the misclassification of the event and misidentification of the vehicles as having Hamas operatives inside them.
—NBC News, 5 Apr. 2024
Pondicherry sharks are nearly identical to juvenile bull sharks, leading to frequent misidentification.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2024
Target has pulled an item celebrating Black history from its shelves over the misidentification of several Black icons.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for misidentification
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'misidentification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near misidentification
Cite this Entry
“Misidentification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misidentification. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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