Definition

A situation where a doctor identifies a disease or condition incorrectly.

Example

The patient suffered from a misdiagnosis that delayed proper treatment.

Conversation

Have you heard about that misdiagnosis at the clinic last week?

Yeah, it made the news! That poor patient must have been so confused.

I can't believe they could make such a serious misdiagnosis.

Right? It really shows how important it is to get a second opinion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Misdiagnosis → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrong or badly) and "diagnosis" (from Greek "diagnōsis", meaning discernment or judgment). The word refers to a wrong or incorrect judgment about a medical condition.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrong and 'diagnosis' meaning judgment — so misdiagnosis is when a judgment about a medical condition is wrong.

Visually Confused Words