prognosis

[ prog-noh-sis ]

noun

, plural prog·no·ses [prog-, noh, -seez].

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.

Notes

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

What's more, patients whose leukemia cells more closely reflected young blood cell production had a much worse prognosis than those whose leukemia cells more closely reflected old blood cell production.

From Science Daily

She said women from those groups were generally diagnosed at a later date as a result, leading to more invasive treatment and worse prognoses.

From BBC

Despite a long prognosis, John remained optimistic on “Good Morning America,” telling viewers that “there is hope and encouragement that it will be OK.”

From Salon

The prognosis for those affected is significantly worse than for AML patients with normal chromosome sets, since their disease often does not respond to any of the available therapies.

From Science Daily

A patient with heart disease can improve their prognosis by taking medicine, changing their diet, getting more exercise or quitting smoking.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• diagnosis
• prediction
• prognostication
• projection