misdiagnosis

[ mis-dahy-uhg-noh-sis ]

noun

, plural mis·di·ag·no·ses [mis-dahy-, uh, g-, noh, -seez].

1. an incorrect diagnosis.

misdiagnosis

/ ˌmɪsdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪs /

noun

1. the act or an instance of misdiagnosing or being misdiagnosed

Word History and Origins

Origin of misdiagnosis¹

First recorded in 1945–50; mis- ¹ + diagnosis

Example Sentences

These cases of misdiagnosis and mistreatment suggest that even the best studies may underestimate long covid’s impact because racism and sexism within the medical system have left some people undiagnosed.

From MIT Technology Review

After antibiotics and antifungal treatments failed due to a misdiagnosis, her gynecologist prescribed another treatment.

From Science News

As a result, misdiagnosis continues to form a significant barrier to care.

From Vox

The slippery nature of obsessive-compulsive disorder has resulted in decades of misunderstanding and misdiagnosis.

From Vox

I believe that the only way to move forward, to change the culture of myth and misdiagnosis that obscures medicine’s understanding of unwell women, is to learn from our history.

From Time

The speech was the profound misdiagnosis of a faltering presidency—a misdiagnosis that is decidedly not the problem today.

From The Daily Beast