prediction of how something will develop

prognosis

noun|/prɑɡˈnoʊ.sɪs/

A forecast of the likely outcome or course of a condition

Examples

In a meeting

The prognosis for our department's wellness metrics looks positive after these changes.

Over coffee

What's the prognosis for your recovery? When can you start running again?

Why this word

prediction

prognosis is the medical term for forecasting disease course based on clinical data, while prediction is general and non-technical

outlook

prognosis is the precise medical assessment of probable outcome, while outlook is informal and less technical

forecast

prognosis specifically refers to medical outcome projections based on evidence, while forecast is used for weather, events, etc.

Usage tip

Primarily medical but applicable to any predictive assessment. More formal than 'prediction' or 'outlook.'

Etymology

Greek: pro- (before) + gnosis (knowledge)

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