Definition of Prognosis
Quick Meaning of Prognosis
A doctor's forecast about how an illness will develop and whether the patient will recover.
Detailed Definition of Prognosis
A medical prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease or illness.
How to Pronounce Prognosis
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Three syllables: prog-NOH-sis. Stress on second syllable. 'g' is hard as in 'go'.
Watch out: Pronouncing the 'g' softly; it is always hard as in 'get'.
Origin and Etymology of Prognosis
From Greek prognosis (foreknowledge): pro- (before) + gnosis (knowledge).
How to Use Prognosis in a Sentence
Each example shows “prognosis” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The doctor gave a positive prognosis for the patient's recovery.”
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“The prognosis for early-stage cancer is usually more favorable.”
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“Specialists issued a cautious prognosis pending further test results.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Prognosis
Common Synonyms for Prognosis
Smart Synonyms for Prognosis — When to Use Each
- forecast
- used broadly in medical, weather, or economic contexts
- outlook
- general expected future condition or health
- prediction
- non-medical expectation or estimate
Common Collocations with Prognosis
These phrases pair with “prognosis” in everyday English:
- favorable prognosis
- poor prognosis
- long-term prognosis
- medical prognosis
- issue a prognosis
Common Mistakes When Using Prognosis
Even fluent speakers slip up with “prognosis”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The doctor gave a diagnosis about recovery time.
- ✓ Correct: The doctor gave a prognosis about recovery time.
- Why: Prognosis predicts outcome; diagnosis identifies the disease
- ✗ Wrong: The plural of prognosis is prognosis.
- ✓ Correct: The plural of prognosis is prognoses.
- Why: Greek -is nouns form plurals with -es
Words Confused With Prognosis
- Prognosis vs Diagnosis: diagnosis identifies the disease; prognosis predicts how it will progress
Other Forms of Prognosis
- Noun: prognosis
- Adjective: prognostic
Frequently Asked Questions About Prognosis
What is the meaning of "Prognosis"?
A doctor's forecast about how an illness will develop and whether the patient will recover.
How do you pronounce "Prognosis"?
The IPA is /prɒɡˈnoʊ.sɪs/. Three syllables: prog-NOH-sis. Stress on second syllable. 'g' is hard as in 'go'.
What part of speech is "Prognosis"?
"Prognosis" is a noun at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Prognosis"?
Common synonyms include forecast, outlook, prediction.
How do you use "Prognosis" in a sentence?
For example: "The doctor gave a positive prognosis for the patient's recovery."