prognosis
prognosis Lexical Profile
prognosis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A medical opinion or forecast regarding the likely course, duration, and outcome of a disease or ailment, as well as the patient's prospect of recovery.
"Because the tumor was detected at a very early stage, the oncologist gave the patient an encouraging prognosis."
A forecast or prediction of the probable outcome or future development of any situation, especially in economics, politics, or business.
"Financial analysts offered a gloomy prognosis for the housing market over the next fiscal year."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'prognosis' with 'diagnosis': a diagnosis identifies a current disease or problem from its symptoms, whereas a prognosis predicts the likely future course and outcome of that condition. Additionally, its plural form is 'prognoses' (pronounced prog-NO-seez).
• Rhymes for prognosis
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'prognōsis' ('foreknowledge'), derived from 'pro-' ('before') and 'gignōskein' ('to come to know').