TechnologyAugust 17, 2026

misidentification

mis-eye-DEN-tuh-fi-KAY-shun

Definition

The act of incorrectly identifying someone or something, often resulting in mistaken identity.

Etymology

The word is a combination of the prefix 'mis-', meaning 'wrong' or 'bad', and 'identification', which comes from the Latin 'identitas' (sameness or identity) combined with the suffix '-fy' (to make or perform).

In the news

The article notes that facial recognition technology is subject to debate specifically because it is prone to misidentification when applied to certain demographic groups.

Coles and Woolworths test facial recognition technology

Read the full article ↗

ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Related words

airframes

The mechanical structure of an aircraft, excluding the engines and electronic systems.

Technology

airworthiness

The ability of an aircraft to operate safely in flight, confirming it meets the…

Technology

asymmetry

A lack of equality or balance in the capabilities, power, or resources between two…

Technology

avionics

The electronic systems and devices used on aircraft, including navigation,…

Technology

contextualization

The process of placing information into a relevant context to make it easier to…

Technology

embodied

Referring to AI systems that are housed within a physical form, such as a robot, allowing…

Technology

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.