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

Detecting these slow-growing tumors is considered overdiagnosis, because the cancer ultimately will not harm the patient during their lifetime. —Luisel Ricks-Santi, The Conversation, 20 May 2025

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

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