prognosis
Americannoun
plural
prognoses-
Medicine/Medical. a forecasting of the probable course and outcome of a disease, especially of the chances of recovery.
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a forecast or prognostication.
noun
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med
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a prediction of the course or outcome of a disease or disorder
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the chances of recovery from a disease
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-
any forecast or prediction
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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.”
Etymology
Origin of prognosis
First recorded in 1645–55; from Late Latin, from Greek prógnōsis “foreknowledge” opposed to pro- 2, gnosis
Explanation
If you come down with an illness, you might ask your doctor what your prognosis is. A prognosis is a prediction about the course of a disease. Prognosis comes from the Greek pro- "before" and gnosis "knowledge." It means to know beforehand, but keep in mind that it is only a probable outcome and not a sure thing. Financial analysts frequently change their prognosis of the economy as they hear each piece of good or bad economic news. And if the weather prognosis is sunny and dry, but you see dark clouds forming, you would be wise to pack an umbrella.
Vocabulary lists containing prognosis
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The faster people receive treatment, the better their prognosis.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
But the benefit is even more significant for pancreatic cancer because treatment options are scarce and the prognosis is bleak.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
Hospice provides care for people with terminal illnesses with a prognosis of six months or less.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026
Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis, with only about 10% of patients living longer than five years after diagnosis.
From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026
The surgeon said the prognosis was good, Karl assured Nemo.
From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
