underdiagnose
verb
un·der·di·ag·nose
ˌən-dər-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs 
-ˌnōz;
-ˌdī-ig-ˈnōs,
-ˈnōz,
-əg-
underdiagnosed; underdiagnosing; underdiagnoses
: to diagnose (a condition or disease) less often than it is actually present
Examples of underdiagnose in a Sentence
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Contemporary research suggests that previous stereotypes about some types of neurodivergence—like ADHD and autism being more prevalent in men—are not always accurate, as these conditions may be underdiagnosed in groups, like women, with whom they are not commonly associated.
—
Melanie Green and Aarti Shyamsunder, Quartz, 2 Mar. 2023
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Melanie Green and Aarti Shyamsunder, Quartz, 2 Mar. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Underdiagnose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdiagnose. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
underdiagnose
transitive verb
un·der·di·ag·nose
-ˈdī-ig-ˌnōs, -ˌnōz; -ˌdī-ig-ˈ, -əg-
underdiagnosed; underdiagnosing
: to diagnose (a condition or disease) less often than it is actually present
Army neurologists fear that severe brain injuries are being underdiagnosed …—Ronald F. Glasser, Harper's
Ronald F. Glasser, Harper's… the negative effects of underdiagnosing and undertreating pain …—Ellen Jan Kleinerman, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio)
Ellen Jan Kleinerman, The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio)Love words? Need even more definitions?
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