misdiagnosis

noun

mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
-əg-
plural misdiagnoses ˌmis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
-əg-
: an incorrect diagnosis
Misdiagnosis can easily occur unless the veterinarian is alert to the possibility of Lyme disease.—Suzanne Clothier et al.
The court also stated that experts can be sued for negligence resulting from their misdiagnoses.—Mark Hansen

Examples of misdiagnosis 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.
Together, these efforts can help smooth the often difficult path from the first unexplained symptoms to an accurate diagnosis, while reducing the risk of both misdiagnosis and unnecessary delays. — Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026 The View cohosts banded together to slam Megyn Kelly over the latter’s shaming of Christina Applegate amid her multiple sclerosis misdiagnosis. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2026 There are several reasons why a medical misdiagnosis happens. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 There is reason to hope the MS misdiagnosis problem could get better. — Dylan Scott, Vox, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for misdiagnosis

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misdiagnosis was in 1884

Rhymes for misdiagnosis

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Browse Nearby Words

misdiagnose
misdiagnosis
misdial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misdiagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdiagnosis. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

misdiagnosis

noun
mis·​di·​ag·​no·​sis (ˌ)mis-ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
plural misdiagnoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce misdiagnosis (audio)
: an incorrect diagnosis
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