prognosis

[prog-noh-sis]

noun

plural

prognoses 

1. Medicine/Medical.,  a forecasting of the probable course and outcome of a disease, especially of the chances of recovery.

2. a forecast or prognostication.

prognosis

/ prɒɡˈnəʊsɪs /

noun

1. med

   1. a prediction of the course or outcome of a disease or disorder

   2. the chances of recovery from a disease

2. any forecast or prediction

prognosis

1. A medical prediction of the future course of a disease and the chance for recovery.

Prognosis is often used as a general term for predicting the unfolding of events: “The governor said that the prognosis for the state's financial future is bleak.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of prognosis¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin, from Greek prógnōsis “foreknowledge” pro- ², gnosis

Word History and Origins

Origin of prognosis¹

C17: via Latin from Greek: knowledge beforehand

Example Sentences

The Dodgers began weighing trade options when Max Muncy was injured, but a positive prognosis and a review of their depth changed the team’s plans.

From Los Angeles Times

Not even the grim medical prognosis for 70-year-old David Mays, one of the founding members of the coffee klatch.

From Los Angeles Times

The prognosis for the future of the nation is also “not good,” Mason added, given political polarization doesn’t seem to be dying down.

From Salon

Then last month, Biden announced he had stage 4 prostate cancer, a condition with a grim prognosis that would have presented a national crisis if he had managed to win re-election.

From BBC

The prognosis, she said, was good, and she encouraged them to write her illness into the show, should she be limited.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• diagnosis 
• prediction 
• prognostication 
• projection