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noun Uncommon

prognosis

prog-NOH-sihs

Prognosis (noun) means a prediction of how a disease or medical condition is likely to develop. Example: “The doctor gave a cautiously optimistic prognosis after surgery.”

noun
1
A prediction of how a disease or medical condition is likely to develop.
"The doctor gave a cautiously optimistic prognosis after surgery."
2
A forecast of how any situation is likely to develop, not just medical.
"Economists offered a grim prognosis for the housing market."

How to use prognosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA forecast or expected outcome, most often used for medical conditions.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "diagnosis" — a diagnosis identifies what's wrong now; a prognosis predicts what happens next.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
a good prognosis a poor prognosis long-term prognosis

Word forms

prognoses plural

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Fill the gap

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The doctor gave a cautiously optimistic _____ after surgery.

Etymology

From Greek prognosis, "foreknowledge," from pro- ("before") plus gnosis ("knowledge").

Origin: Greek

forecast prospect medical prognosis

Related words

Rhymes for prognosis

See all rhymes for prognosis →

Frequently asked questions

What does “prognosis” mean?

The word “prognosis” means a prediction of how a disease or medical condition is likely to develop. In plain terms, a forecast or expected outcome, most often used for medical conditions.

How do you pronounce “prognosis”?

“Prognosis” is pronounced prog-NOH-sihs (/pɹɑɡˈnoʊsɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “prognosis” in a sentence?

Here is “prognosis” used in a sentence: “The doctor gave a cautiously optimistic prognosis after surgery.”

What part of speech is “prognosis”?

“Prognosis” is a noun.

Where does the word “prognosis” come from?

The word “prognosis” comes from Greek. From Greek prognosis, "foreknowledge," from pro- ("before") plus gnosis ("knowledge").

Is “prognosis” a common word?

“Prognosis” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “prognosis” have?

“Prognosis” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a prediction of how a disease or medical condition is likely to develop.

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