diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

-əg-

plural diagnoses ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz 

-əg-

1

a

: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

b

: the decision reached by diagnosis

the doctor's diagnosis

2

a

: investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem

diagnosis of engine trouble

b

: a statement or conclusion from such an analysis

3

biology : a concise technical description of a taxon

Synonyms

• award
• call
• conclusion
• decision
• deliverance
• determination
• judgment
• judgement
• opinion
• resolution
• verdict

Examples of diagnosis in a Sentence

The unusual combination of symptoms made accurate diagnosis difficult.

She is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

The diagnosis was a mild concussion.

His doctor made an initial diagnosis of pneumonia.

The committee published its diagnosis of the problems affecting urban schools.

Recent Examples on the Web

Sandberg was not being able to attend camp last year while undergoing treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, announcing his diagnosis in January 2024. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025

One patient, unable to spend one more night waiting for his diagnosis, absconds to go home to his dog. —Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025

Prior to his diagnosis, Rosato spent time in a maximum-security facility after being charged with criminal harassment, the New York Times reported. —John Russell, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025

Since his diagnosis, Pope Francis has appeared visibly bloated, likely a side effect of medication for his lung infection. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek diagnōsis, from diagignōskein to distinguish, from dia- + gignōskein to know — more at know

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing diagnosis

• diagnosis related group
• differential diagnosis

Kids Definition

diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs 

plural diagnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz 

1

a

: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

b

: the decision reached by diagnosis

2

a

: a careful study of something especially to determine its nature or importance

b

: the conclusion reached after a study or examination

Medical Definition

diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg- 

plural diagnoses -ˌsēz 

1

a

: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

b

: the decision reached by diagnosis

a diagnosis of pneumonia

2

: a concise technical description of a taxon