A false negative is a result or conclusion that incorrectly indicates the absence of something, when in reality it is present. This can occur in various fields, such as medical testing, where a false negative can lead to a misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. It can also refer to a mistaken belief or perception that something is not true, despite evidence to the contrary. In essence, a false negative is a deceptive outcome that can have significant consequences if not recognized and corrected.