noun

prognosis

prog-NOH-sihs

noun

A prediction of how a disease or medical condition is likely to develop.

"The doctor gave a cautiously optimistic prognosis after surgery."

A forecast of how any situation is likely to develop, not just medical.

"Economists offered a grim prognosis for the housing market."

How to Use Prognosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA forecast or expected outcome, most often used for medical conditions.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "diagnosis" — a diagnosis identifies what's wrong now; a prognosis predicts what happens next.

Easily confused with

diagnosis →

Common pairings

a good prognosis a poor prognosis long-term prognosis

prognoses plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The doctor gave a cautiously optimistic _____ after surgery.

From Greek prognosis, "foreknowledge," from pro- ("before") plus gnosis ("knowledge").

necrosis neurosis hypnosis fibrosis diagnosis symbiosis halitosis psychosis cirrhosis sclerosis scoliosis thrombosis