Misrecorded

Misrecorded is an adjective used to describe information that has been recorded incorrectly. It can refer to any data element stored in a record, database, log, or archive, including dates, amounts, identifiers, or descriptions. Misrecorded entries may result from human error, misinterpretation, ambiguous instructions, or technical failures during data capture, migration, or transcription. The term is commonly used in accounting and finance, healthcare, research, and records management.

In practice, a misrecorded date can affect deadlines, interest assessments, or statute of limitations; a misrecorded amount can distort ledgers and financial statements; a misrecorded dosage or patient identifier can compromise treatment and safety.

Consequences may include auditing discoveries, regulatory penalties, misinformed decisions, or reputational damage. In scientific and archival contexts, misrecorded data can undermine research validity or data integrity, complicating replication and long-term usability.

Prevention and correction rely on data governance and rigorous data quality practices, including validation rules, double data entry, reconciliation procedures, audit trails, version control, and standardized data formats. Clear documentation of corrections, with an auditable trail, is essential.

Related concepts include data quality, data integrity, and record-keeping standards.