# prognosis

/pɹɑɡˈnoʊsəs/ (US) · /pɹɒɡnˈəʊsɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prognosis
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a doctor's opinion about how a sick person will recover. It can also mean a guess about how a situation will develop in the future.

For teachers: a prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease or situation. Often based on medical data or historical trends.

## Examples

- The doctor gave her a positive prognosis.
- After the surgery, the medical team provided a favorable prognosis for a full recovery within six months.
- While the immediate economic indicators are troubling, the long-term prognosis for the industry remains optimistic due to recent technological breakthroughs and increased consumer demand.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the prognosis of the patient" but "the prognosis for the patient" — In a medical context, 'prognosis' typically takes the preposition 'for' to indicate the person or condition being discussed.

## Usage notes

- Often takes the preposition 'for' when referring to the subject of the prediction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.