overdiagnosis

noun

over·​di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌō-vər-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

-əg-

: the diagnosis of a condition or disease more often than it is actually present

overdiagnose

ˌō-vər-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs 

-ˌnōz

-ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs

-ˈnōz

-əg-

transitive verb

Examples of overdiagnosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This uncertainty sometimes leads to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, exposing men to unnecessary procedures and anxiety. —Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

In a 2023 statement, the ACR noted concerns: the absence of standardized imaging protocols, the risks of overdiagnosis, the false positives and the costly follow-up care. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

Still, there’s a degree of overdiagnosis involved, Mayfield warned. —Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 21 Mar. 2025

All of these types of preventative tests can lead to overdiagnosis of conditions or anomalies that may not even be dangerous for the person, Nickel argues. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overdiagnosis

• actinomycosis
• atherosclerosis
• endometriosis
• erythematosus
• erythroblastosis
• granulomatosis
• hemochromatosis
• histiocytosis
• hyperkeratosis
• ketoacidosis
• mononucleosis
• osteonecrosis

Medical Definition

overdiagnosis

noun

over·​di·​ag·​no·​sis -ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg- 

plural overdiagnoses -ˌsēz 

: the diagnosis of a condition or disease (as Lyme disease) more often than it is actually present

overdiagnose

-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs, -ˌnōz, -ˌdī-ig-ˈ, -əg- 

transitive verb

overdiagnosed; overdiagnosing