false negative

This term is primarily used in medical diagnostics, statistics, and signal detection theory. It describes a failure of a test to detect a condition that is actually present, creating a dangerous illusion of health or safety. This is often contrasted with a false positive, where a test incorrectly indicates the presence of a condition.

In clinical settings, the risk associated with a false negative is typically higher than that of a false positive because it can lead to the omission of necessary treatment or the continued spread of a contagious disease. The term is used as a technical noun and maintains a neutral, objective tone despite the potentially negative real-world consequences it describes.