What does prognostication mean?
Prognostication means a prediction or forecast, particularly one made by interpreting signs, symptoms, evidence, or current conditions. In general use, it refers to an informed judgment about what may happen in the future: for example, a medical prognostication may concern the likely course of an illness, while a political prognostication interprets current developments to predict an election or policy shift. The word is more formal and literary than prediction or forecast, and it often carries the implication that the forecast is based on careful assessment rather than simple guesswork. It can also refer to the act of making such a forecast. Because prognostication is less common in modern everyday English, it often adds a learned or elevated tone, though its meaning is straightforward and useful when discussing predictions, diagnosis, or the interpretation of future possibilities.
nounA prediction or forecast about what will happen, especially one based on an assessment of present conditions or an interpretation of signs.
- A prediction or forecast about a future event or course of events.
- An interpretation of signs or symptoms that indicates what is likely to happen.
"Her prognostication of a difficult winter proved accurate."
"The physician's prognostication was cautious but hopeful."
"The novel is filled with political prognostications that never came true."
Used when referring to multiple predictions or forecasts.
"The report included prognostications about growth, employment, and interest rates."
A prognostication turns signs, evidence, or present conditions into a forecast about what lies ahead.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prognostication come from?
Prognostication comes from Latin prognosticatio, a noun meaning “a foretelling” or “prediction,” formed from prognosticate, which in turn comes from the Greek prognōstikos, meaning “foreseeing” or “indicating the future.” The word entered English in the 16th century in the sense of an astrological or medical prediction. Its relatives include prognosis, prognostic, and prognosticate, all sharing the idea of looking ahead or indicating what is to come.
Related word forms
How prognostication is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It often suggests forecasting based on signs or evidence, and it can sound somewhat old-fashioned when used for general predictions.
Easily confused with prognostication
A prognosis is a prediction or forecast, especially in medicine, while a prognostication is often a more formal or literary term for forecasting what will happen.