misdiagnose

verb

mis·​di·​ag·​nose ˌmis-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs How to pronounce misdiagnose (audio)
-ˌnōz, 
ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs, 
-ˈnōz, 
-əg-
misdiagnosed; misdiagnosing
Synonyms of misdiagnosenext

transitive verb

: to diagnose (someone or something) incorrectly
… babesiosis is often missed or misdiagnosed as malaria or flu.—Linda Marsa
The researchers added that children with this disease are often misdiagnosed and thus inappropriately treated …—Jane E. Brody

Examples of misdiagnose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Christina Applegate’s recent revelation that she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis is raising questions about how the disease can be confused with other conditions even after years of treatment. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026 Five years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, actor Christina Applegate revealed this week that she had been misdiagnosed. — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026 Their struggles are more likely to be overlooked or misdiagnosed as anxiety, burnout or depression. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2026 This led to further testing that ultimately led her doctor to conclude she had been misdiagnosed. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misdiagnose

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misdiagnose was in 1883

Rhymes for misdiagnose

See All Rhymes for misdiagnose

Browse Nearby Words

misdevelopment
misdiagnose
misdiagnosis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misdiagnose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdiagnose. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

misdiagnose

transitive verb
mis·​di·​ag·​nose (ˈ)mis-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs, -ˌnōz How to pronounce misdiagnose (audio)
misdiagnosed; misdiagnosing
: to diagnose incorrectly

More from Merriam-Webster on misdiagnose

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