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

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

Coulier made light of his prognosis during his “Today” sit-down with host Hoda Kotb.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite her prognosis, the 51-year-old said she wanted to do "something proactive" and help change laws so that people had the right to choose to end their lives.

From BBC

“He had his surgery, and his prognosis is really good,” Gomes said.

From Los Angeles Times

Forced to rest for a couple of weeks after being sliced, stitched and fixed, Roigard stewed over a prognosis of at least six months out.

From BBC

Related Words

• diagnosis
• prediction
• prognostication
• projection