noun

prognosis

prahg-NOH-sis/prɑːɡˈnəʊsɪs/

A prediction of how a disease or situation will develop.

The doctor explains the prognosis before we discuss treatment options.

A clinician and adult patient consider a chart whose solid past line branches into dotted possible future courses; prediction of development with uncertainty, no specific disease outcome or guaranteed recovery.

Etymology

“Knowing beforehand” became a medical forecast of a disease’s probable course and outcome. That predictive sense later broadened to the likely course of events more generally.

In context

HIE Help Center0:55

the prognosis of infants with hie will ultimately depend on the extent of the oxygen deprivation

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: About, Treatments, & Causes

More examples

Early treatment often improves the prognosis.
The prognosis for the local economy remains uncertain.
Patients with the same illness can have different prognoses.

Forms

prognosis · prognoses

prognostic adjective — Indicating a likely course or outcome.

Similar words

forecast: Often predicts future conditions, especially weather or economic trends.
prediction: Covers any statement about what will happen, not just development.
outlook: Describes expected prospects rather than a specific predicted course.